Following is the letter, dated February 10, sent by former Prime Minister and San Fernando East Member of Parliament Patrick Manning to People's National Movement political leader Dr Keith Rowley.
Dear Dr. Rowley,
I write to you to formally explain the reason for my absence from screening yesterday, February 9th 2015, as was expected following my acceptance to be nominated as a candidate and my subsequent nomination as one of several candidates to be screened for the San Fernando East Constituency seat. I am aware that the Chairman of the PNM’s Constituency Executive for San Fernando East did advise you and the screening committee that I would not be facing the screening committee. This letter represents my more formal and personal account in keeping with expected norms in matters of this nature.
You will recall that in our last discussions I had indicated that I would never be a problem for the PNM. I also indicated to you that I was not well, but if my health improved and I am healed then I could face the screening committee. I noted also in our communications then that if on the other hand my health does not improve I would have no other alternative but to bow out of active politics.
In the foregoing context it is now clear that although there has been some improvement of my condition, my health has not improved sufficiently. I therefore have to bow out of politics under the circumstances. It is for this reason that I did not face the screening committee. I still however trust the Almighty to fully restore my health in His time.
I wish you and the screening committee well in your future endeavours.