St Kitts PM in good spirits despite undisclosed illness

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – St Kitts Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew Thursday said he remains in good spirits and is continuing to “getting fully active, fully conscious and in stable condition” as members of his medical team in the United States (US) continue to evaluate him following a recent health scare. Drew, with tubes and plaster attached to his hands, in a five-minute broadcast did not disclose the nature of his illness, but said that he had been treated first in the French island of Martinique and is now in South Florida. Earlier media reports in Martinique had said that the prime minister had suffered a stroke, but that he is not expected to suffer lasting effects.

READ: St Kitts PM hospitalised; to seek medical attention overseas “ My wife and I travelled here on the advice of medical specialists in St Kitts and Nevis as well as specialists in Martinique so that further investigations could be conducted. At this stage there is nothing alarming to report but the doctors are continuing their investigations and I believe it is important that they are allowed to be thorough,” said Drew, who is himself a medical practitioner. He recalled that last Sunday he began experiencing persistent nausea which progressively developed into episodes of vomiting.

“I also noticed a distinct pain on the left side of my neck accompanied by a mild headache and dizziness. As the day progressed, I began feeling unsteady on my feet and had difficulty with my balance and walking. I understood that these were symptoms that should not be ignored.” He said he immediately contacted three doctors, including a resident neurologist, “who advised me and ultimately directed me to the JNF General Hospital, where our capable medical team immediately evaluated me and conducted a series of scans and other investigations to determine what was taking place.” Addressing his countrymen, Drew said: “My dear citizens, residents and well-wishers, I want to sincerely thank you for your prayers, your messages, your expressions of love and support and your wishes for my speedy and complete recovery.

“I must also thank you for the many pieces of medical advice I have received. I cannot promise that I will follow every prescription but I can certainly appreciate the love and good intentions behind them. As a medical doctor, I know when it is time to practise medicine and when it is time to simply…