Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has revealed that he suffered a stroke caused by a dissection of the vertebral artery, but says he is recovering well and is preparing to return to St. Kitts and Nevis.
In a public update, Dr. Drew expressed gratitude to God, medical professionals in St. Kitts and Nevis and the United States, as well as his family, colleagues and citizens who prayed for him and offered words of support during his illness.
“After all of the analysis, I suffered a stroke,” Dr. Drew said, explaining that the stroke resulted from “a dissection of one of the arteries in the back of my brain called the vertebral artery.”
Despite the seriousness of the illness, the Prime Minister said the effects of the stroke have been well controlled and managed.
He said he is able to move all of his limbs, speak well, and that his cognition, coordination and other mental functions remain intact.
“As you can see physically, I can move all my limbs, speak well, my mentation, my coordination, my intelligence have been well,” Dr. Drew said.
The Prime Minister said he has since been discharged from the hospital in Florida and is undergoing rehabilitation, including occupational and physical therapy.
“I can say both mentally and psychologically and also physically, I’m doing much better than my ailment will suggest,” he said.
Dr. Drew credited his recovery in part to what he described as a strong baseline health status, noting that his blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure were well controlled before the stroke.
He also said his faith and spiritual practices have helped him through the difficult period.
“I take my prayer life seriously, my meditation life seriously, and these things have really helped me through this most difficult time,” he said.
The Prime Minister also sought to reassure the public that the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has continued to function smoothly during his absence.
He said contingency plans were already in place to ensure continuity of government in the event of an emergency.
Dr. Drew explained that while he was still at the J.N. France General Hospital, he met with the full Cabinet and outlined the plan for the delegation of responsibilities among ministers before leaving the Federation for further medical treatment.
“All of my responsibilities are delegated to the pertinent ministers,” he said.
According to Dr. Drew, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley has been serving as Acting Prime Minister, while the Cabinet has continued to carry out the Government’s affairs.
He praised the ministers for ensuring that the transition has been “extremely smooth” and said the Government has been functioning “extremely well.”
“This administration is mature, it is competent, and it takes no chances,” Dr. Drew said.
The Prime Minister also thanked the medical teams at the J.N. France General Hospital, MADNIC and Baptist Health in Florida, as well as other medical professionals and officials who assisted with his care and arrangements for his treatment abroad.
He singled out the staff at JNF for ensuring he received appropriate treatment during what he described as the “golden hour” following the stroke, allowing him to be stabilised and travel for further care.
Dr. Drew also thanked his wife, son, mother, sisters, members of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party, political colleagues and others who supported him during his recovery.
He expressed particular appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister Hanley and the Cabinet for maintaining government operations in his absence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Drew said he intends to return to St. Kitts and Nevis and resume his responsibilities as Prime Minister, including leading Cabinet, returning to Parliament and representing the people of Constituency Number Eight.
“I look forward for returning to St. Kitts and Nevis to lead the Cabinet of Ministers, to be in the Parliament again, to be in my constituency,” he said.
The Prime Minister concluded by again thanking citizens and others around the region and the world for their prayers and support.
“But ultimately, the greatest thanks goes to God Almighty, for without Him, I would not be here,” Dr. Drew said.
