Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew reportedly suffered a stroke after being admitted to a hospital in Martinique, where his condition was stabilised before he travelled to Miami for further medical evaluation.
The details were reported by Martinique La Première, according to regional media reports published Thursday.
The report states that Dr Drew was admitted to the intensive care unit at the University Hospital of Martinique (CHUM) on the evening of Monday, August 31, after experiencing headaches and nausea.
According to the Martinique publication, medical examinations subsequently confirmed that the 49-year-old Prime Minister had suffered a stroke.
The report said Drew’s condition was quickly stabilised following the intervention of the intensive care team led by Professor Dabor Resière.
Martinique La Première reportedly stated that Dr Drew is not expected to suffer any lasting effects from the medical episode.
However, that specific diagnosis and prognosis have not been publicly confirmed in a detailed medical bulletin by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis or Drew’s medical team, and should therefore be regarded as reported information.
According to the report, Dr Drew remained under observation in Martinique for several days before leaving the University Hospital of Martinique on Wednesday, September 2.
He subsequently travelled to Miami, where he is expected to undergo a comprehensive medical check-up at Baptist Hospital.
The report said Dr Drew would normally have been transported directly to the United States for medical treatment, as is common among English-speaking Caribbean leaders.
However, his Caribbean counterparts reportedly encouraged him to travel to Martinique, where he could receive immediate specialised care.
The publication reported that Dr Drew expressed his gratitude and deep satisfaction with the treatment he received from medical professionals in Martinique.
There has been limited information available to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis regarding the prime minister’s medical evacuation.
The public learned on Monday that Dr Drew would be taken overseas and that there was initially uncertainty about where he had been transported and the seriousness of his condition.
While Drew remains away receiving medical care, the Government has activated interim leadership arrangements.
Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley has been appointed Acting Prime Minister and has assumed additional responsibility for Finance, Health, and Human Resource Management and Social Security.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Garth Wilkin has assumed responsibility for National Security, Citizenship and Immigration.
The Cabinet Secretariat said the arrangements are intended to ensure that every arm of Government continues to function without disruption and that essential services remain fully operational.
Hanley has repeatedly assured the nation that Government operations are continuing normally during Drew’s absence.
There has been no announcement of when Drew will return to St. Kitts and Nevis.
The Martinique report, however, indicates that the Prime Minister’s condition has stabilised and that he has proceeded to Miami for additional medical checks.
