Manning Raises Governance Concerns Within San Fernando East PNM Executive

San Fernando East MP Brian Manning has publicly called for greater transparency and independent oversight within his constituency’s People’s National Movement executive, citing concerns raised by party members about governance, potential conflicts of interest and internal election procedures.

In a statement dated August 19, 2026, Manning said concerns had been raised with him over several months following the general election and that he had formally submitted the matters in writing to the PNM’s General Council.

According to Manning, members remain concerned that the issues have not been addressed through a process they consider sufficiently independent and impartial.

At the centre of the dispute is San Fernando East constituency chairman Patricia Alexis, who Manning said also serves as an Assistant General Secretary of the PNM, represents San Fernando East on the General Council and sits on the party’s Central Executive.

Manning said some constituency members believe the combination of those roles creates an apparent conflict of interest when matters originating within San Fernando East are referred to the party’s national bodies.

He also highlighted questions reportedly raised about a recent constituency executive election. Manning said members complained that an unannounced vacancy was filled by an individual unfamiliar to many longstanding members and allegedly connected to the constituency chairman.

According to the MP, members have questioned whether the process followed the required level of transparency and proper constitutional procedure.

Manning further referred to media reports concerning Alexis and CEPEP contracts allegedly worth millions of dollars obtained from the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government while she was employed as chairman of the Rural Development Company.

However, Manning explicitly stressed that he was not accusing Alexis or anyone else of wrongdoing or guilt.

“These are serious concerns, raised in good faith by loyal members of our Party,” Manning said, framing his demand as one for transparency, accountability and a process members can trust.

The MP said he proposed that a committee appointed to verify PNM party groups in San Fernando East include one independent person from outside the Central Executive. He said he offered Alexis the same opportunity to nominate an independent representative.

According to Manning, his request was rejected, with the General Council instead requiring his nominee to be selected from among members of the Central Executive.

Manning objected to that arrangement because Alexis is herself a senior party officer and Central Executive member.

“You cannot ask members to have faith in an inquiry when those closest to the concerns sit in judgement of it,” Manning stated.

He called on the PNM leadership to provide San Fernando East members with clarity and reassurance, arguing that unresolved perceptions surrounding the constituency could further erode confidence among party members.

Manning also reaffirmed his commitment to the PNM, saying both he and his family have given much of their lives to the party and that his intervention was motivated by concerns about its integrity.

“I remain fully committed to due process and to fairness for all — but I will not be silent while the confidence of our members is allowed to erode,” he said.

The public statement has already generated debate online, with some commenters questioning why the dispute was taken to social media rather than handled internally, while others supported Manning’s call for greater scrutiny.

The allegations and concerns outlined by Manning represent his account of the internal dispute. His statement does not establish wrongdoing by Alexis or any other individual, and the matters he raised would require independent examination and responses from those concerned to establish the full circumstances.