Manning

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Prime Minister Patrick Manning says he is on his way out of politics but refused to pin down a definite date for his departure.

Outlining a list of projects for the future of Tobago, Trinidad's sister island, Manning said: "I'm Prime Minister now, but I'm on my way out ... I didn't tell you when, though."

He made the remark during last Friday night's meeting of the People's National Movement at Bishop's High School in Tobago.

Manning also announced that a general election was not far off, telling party supporters to put their house in order, the Trinidad Guardian reported.

"We do not want any retrogression in Tobago. We must win Tobago East and win Tobago West," Manning also declared at the meeting, after a walkabout in Tobago West.

Friday's tour of Tobago West was his 25th constituency walkabout, Manning said.

Elections are widely expected here by year-end.