House Speaker Wade Mark yesterday granted leave of absence to former prime minister Patrick Manning from the Parliament for 90 days.

At the start of the Parliament sitting, Mark announced that he received communication, on behalf of Manning, which advised he would be absent from the Parliament because of continued illness.

Mark granted the request for a leave of absence for Manning, as well as for Minister of Foreign Affairs and Communications Suruj Rambachan and Opposition MP Colm Imbert from the sitting yesterday.

On January 23, Manning suffered a stroke and, to date, has been receiving treatment at the San Fernando General Hospital.

Reports from medical officials this week indicated that although Manning's condition was slowly improving, he was still unable to walk on his own or speak clearly.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Parliament noted that Manning will not lose his seat in Parliament despite his absence due to infirmity.

The Office of the Parliament stated that a Member of the House can miss up to six sessions without correspondence with the Speaker.

After six sessions, the Speaker can declare the seat vacant, according to the Parliament standing orders.

However, a spokesperson for Parliament said as long as sufficient information was given, the politician could stay away.

"The reason for him (Manning) not being there is not a secret. It is known that if he suffered a stroke, he will not be able to perform his functions for some time.

"And his constituency office would do the needful and write the Speaker, letting the Speaker know that he would not be able to attend for certain reasons. The Speaker would take that into consideration. He would not declare the seat vacant, knowing that he had a stroke of that nature."

Manning's supporters continue to gather at his San Fernando East constituency office at Coffee Street to keep prayer vigils.

The Express was told by medical specialists treating Manning that he was unable to walk without help or speak clearly, two weeks after being admitted to the San Fernando General Hospital.

Dr Lackram Bodoe, chairman of the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA), said yesterday, "He (Manning) remains in stable condition and is in good spirits whilst continuing to improve."

—with reporting by

Sue Ann Wayow