Trinidad’s former PM flown to U.S. after stroke

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) — Trinidad’s former Prime Minister Patrick Manning has been airlifted to Walter Reed Medical Center in the United States for treatment following a stroke.

Spokeswoman Wendy Lewis said Tuesday that the stroke partially paralyzed the right side of Manning’s body and left him with slurred speech.

Manning’s sister Petronella Manning says he was flown Monday to Maryland and is expected to undergo four weeks of therapy.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has said the government will pay for all of Manning’s medical expenses.

The 65-year-old Manning was prime minister from 1991-1995 and from 2001-2010.

Manning kept his seat in the House of Representatives but was ousted as party leader in the May 2010 general elections.