PM gets clean bill of health after stroke

BASSETERRE (CMC):

St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew said on Tuesday that he had received a clean bill of health and been discharged from the United States hospital where he was treated after suffering a stroke last month.

Drew, a medical doctor, was flown to Miami for further evaluation and treatment on September 2 after being airlifted from St Kitts to Martinique on August 31.

Last month, he disclosed that he had suffered a stroke caused by a vertebral artery dissection, a tear in one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain. He initially experienced persistent nausea, vomiting, neck pain, dizziness and difficulty walking or maintaining balance.

In a radio and television address, Drew thanked the public for its support during his recovery.

“From the depths of my soul, thank you. Thank you for every prayer whispered in the quiet of the night. Thank you for every message, every call, every kind word. I felt your love and care. I felt your faith. And I believe, I truly believe, that it helped to carry me through,” Drew said.

He said he had completed both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and had been cleared to resume his duties.

“Let me confirm that I have completed my rehabilitation, both inpatient and outpatient, and I am doing well. I also want to confirm that I visited the doctors again today, and I was given an excellent bill of health and I was told that I am fit to return to full duty,” Drew said.

Reflecting on the experience, Drew described it as both a challenge and a source of perspective.

“This experience, as is obvious, has been a trial. But it has also been a testimony. A testimony to the power of God, the power of prayer, and a testimony to the love of my family and of our people.

“Today, I address you not from a hospital bed, not in a rehabilitation centre, but as your prime minister, ready to serve, ready to resume my full-time duties,” he said.

Drew said he had remained briefed on government business throughout his recovery and praised Acting Prime Minister Dr Geoffrey Hanley and Cabinet colleagues for ensuring continuity in governance.

“Plans were in place. The transition was smooth. The work continued. That is a testament to the strength of our institutions, to the character of our people who serve in them, and also to the maturity of my Cabinet colleagues.

“My commitment to you and to the vision we share for our beloved federation remains firm, with God at the centre,” Drew said.

He added that the experience had reinforced what matters most to him.

“One begins to understand what truly matters and for me, what truly matters has always been the things that I consider to be truly important. My faith in God, my family, the love of the people, the health and well-being of every citizen, the future of our country, and the legacy we leave for our generations to come.”

Drew said he plans to travel to Washington, DC, later this week to participate in a US-Caribbean dialogue on October 15.

“This meeting presents a valuable opportunity to engage directly with senior United States officials on matters that are important to our federation, including energy security, economic investment, national security, healthcare, and opportunities for all of our people.”

“I consider my personal participation especially important. We have already laid the groundwork for several meaningful partnerships, and I want to ensure continuity in those discussions, strengthen the relationships we have built, and advance commitments that can bring real benefits to our country.”