New look Hazel

Cutting a picture of eye-catching elegance recently was Hazel Manning, on the occasion when she accompanied her husband, Prime Minister Patrick Manning, to his swearing-in ceremony at Woodford Square, Port-of-Spain on November 7.

Wearing a glossy chocolate-coloured knee-length dress, matching embroidered jacket and open-toed pumps, the new Local Government Minister stunned photographers and onlookers with her new svelte figure and glowing skin.

A source at the Prime Minister’s residence revealed that Manning, mother of two adult sons, has been following a stringent exercise routine for the past three years, complete with personal trainers, who have also influenced a general lifestyle change for the PM’s wife.

Sunday Newsday contacted fashion designer/consultant Peter Elias, for his comments on Mrs Manning’s new look, since he was at one time, her fashion advisor.

Elias immediately stated that he wanted to offer his support and congratulations to Mrs Manning on her elegant, fashionable image she is now displaying.

He said, “I like her new look. Having worked with her in the past though, I can’t honestly take credit for someone else’s work. She has obviously lost some weight and I think that’s a good thing.

“She has managed to combine her demanding career with a fitness routine. She has adopted a healthy lifestyle and eating habits. I think it’s good for anyone to include exercise in their lifestyle.”

He added that Manning has proven herself to be a role model for all women, young and otherwise.

“She is an inspiration for future leaders and career persons. She has attained a look of modern and classy without being overdone and ostentatious.”

Elias stated that one of the things about Mrs Manning with which he is always impressed is her “absolute sense of humility. She has always been a lady. She is not greedy or excessive. My observation is that she is simply decent and dignified and I have always admired her for this.”

Echoing Elias’ comments about Mrs Manning was image consultant, Catherine Gordon, who told Sunday Newsday that the “results are showing” for Manning’s hard work in improving her lifestyle and appearance.

“I think she looks terrific. Both professionally and socially. I feel she has always managed to maintain a fashionably appropriate appearance, in keeping with the equally healthy outlook of her husband. I give them both top marks for setting an example of positive lifestyle for the country.”

The new look has also not been lost on members of the public. Veena Rattan, 42, who works as a secretary in a government department said she and her colleagues were very impressed with Mrs Manning’s new look.

“We were wondering if she had any professional work done, because we can actually see some contours here and there. She looks really good for her age.” Keva Phillips, a 27-year-old employee of a retail clothing store commented that Manning’s outfit to a recent function looked very expensive, but “because I work with fashion, I know it is not as pricey as most people might believe.

But she looks so good in it, you might think it is from some top designer.”

As for Manning’s apparent lifestyle make-over, Phillips stated that “the Prime Minister’s wife is showing the rest of the country how we should be living, especially in these times of diseases caused by poor lifestyles.”

So much fockery happening all over this mudder cont country and the best thing these fockers could do is pay glowing terms to this blimp.

Why the fock nobody doh say nutten about how she collecting ah big fat fockin salary just for being the Prime Minister wife ?

Why the fock dey doh talk about how she collecting ah travelling allowance, but rides in the PM's car ?

Why d fock these cyats doh talk about how she collecting ah housing allowance, but living with she husband at the PM's residence?

This is raw fockin nepotism!

And not one fock saying anything about this.