HE MAY be a political pariah within the party, and a man condemned by those left jobless, powerless or contract-less because of his election-losing decision of May 24, 2010.

But to hear many of the constituents of San Fernando East tell it, Patrick Manning is still revered.

Despite losing control of the Treasury and, as a result, the ability to turn the sod for new projects in his constituency, Manning has spent so much money and developed so much of the infrastructure in the electoral region in his 41 years of representation that there is little else to fix.

There are multiple housing developments, from starter homes to condominiums; good drainage and better roads; a sporting complex across the road from his childhood home, with an Olympic-size swimming pool open to the public; play parks; new schools; and, until the People's National Movement (PNM) lost the government, multiple Community-based Environmental Protection and En- hancement Programme (CEPEP) contractors, employing hundreds of otherwise unemployable young men and middle-aged women.

Manning was also the man behind megaprojects in the bordering San Fernando West constituency—the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium, South Campus of the National Academy for the Performing Arts and the Chancery Lane Complex.

Of the three, only NAPA was completed.

These failures mean little to the constituents who spoke to the Sunday Express last week.

Many were confident that Manning, who suffered a stroke three weeks ago and is now in a Washington DC hospital in the US undergoing rehabilitation, will be back to represent them.

Which is why word last week about Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley planning a meeting with the constituency executive of the San Fernando East constituency was met with scorn.

Public relations officer in Manning's constituency office Anthony Clarke, on Thursday, adamantly denied the executive of the constituency and members the PNM have entered into any such dis- cussions.

Clarke said the constituency office continues to run smoothly by the staff, who was anxiously awaiting Manning's return.

The coming weeks will be the first in a long time that Manning has missed attending his constituency office and meeting with the people, something he did when he was a prime minister with power and continued to as a Member of Parliament, now, with little to give.

Many of the constituents with whom the Sunday Express spoke feel Manning's impact on San Fernando East can be felt in all areas.  

Randall Mitchell, 33, of Cocoyea, said the physical development in his constituency has made it a desirable place to live.

Mitchell said: "The price of real estate in the area has skyrocketed; anything that comes up for sale does not stay on the market for long. In Cocoyea South, buyers cannot get a house for less than two million dollars. People want to live here, and that gives a sense of the development of the area. On the main roads, there is a buzz of commercial activities. The road was paved a few times under Manning's tenure as prime minister. There is a new pool and recreation complex, and a new park for residents in Scotland Drive."  

Under Manning's tenure as PM, he also opened a vending plaza, and opened a branch of Metal Industries Company Ltd in Pleasantville.

Hundreds were housed in a Housing Development Corporation (HDC) estate in Corinth.

Mitchell said when Manning was PM, a new company—Community Improvement Services Ltd (CISL) —was formed, which specialised in undertaking infrastructural work such as drainage, road paving and the building of pavements and parks.

CISL's pilot project was in Cocoyea.

Another resident, Navene Maharaj, 34, said Manning's projects have uplifted the residents' way of life.

Maharaj said: "Cocoyea is better than it was before. Way back, when someone heard about the place Cocoyea, it used to strike fear into people because it had a reputation for criminals and crime. There are some bad seeds, but every community has that. From then to now, it has become a lot safer than how it was. People don't really feel afraid to come out in the night."

Desmond Ribero, 37, born and raised in Pleasantville, said: "This was a squatters' area, and Manning bless up here. We have water, lights. There is no poverty or starving in Pleasantville. Manning had a big part to play in that. If it wasn't for him, we wouldn't be here. Other people would have bulldozed here already. I feel bad about him getting the stroke, but God will help him to recover. As he recover, he have to come back to be our MP."

Kerron Luces, 32, who has lived in Pleasantville for 25 years, said: "Manning always come around to see and meet the people. He hold meetings right here in Pleasantville. He was always good to us. We will support him any day. He do good for us."

For some, no thought should be given to replace Manning as MP, even after suffering a stroke. Maureen Palmer, who has lived in the area for more than 60 years, said she wants no other MP.

Palmer was at the constituency office on Thursday where prayer vigils continue to be held every evening at six o'clock for Manning's recovery.

"I am very happy with him, and I don't want anybody else," Palmer said.

Sharon Garcia, 30, of Pleasantville, said although Manning has her full support as MP, if his health issues are posing a problem to do his job, then he ought to step aside.

"I think Mr Manning has represented his constituency very well. But then again, we have to be realistic," Garcia said.

Annette Diablo, 56, of Corinth, said if a replacement is to be found, it should be someone who shares Manning's passion for his job and the people in the constituency.

"Right now, he is ill, but I don't see anyone to replace him. But if they have to get somebody, I hope they get somebody who cares about San Fernando East as much as he did."

Garcia said if there is to be another candidate for San Fernando East, Manning should play a part in the selection process.

"If he is not well and not capable, well, then we will support whatever candidate he selects. I think he should play a part in the selection of the candidate. He has experience, and the passion for the job," she said.