St Kitts and Nevis PM cleared to resume duties after stroke

St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew says he has received medical clearance to resume his full duties after suffering a stroke in August and completing inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation in the United States.

In a radio and television broadcast on Tuesday, Drew said he had been discharged from the US hospital where he was receiving treatment and had received an “excellent bill of health” following a medical assessment.

“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,” he said.

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

He later disclosed that he had suffered a stroke caused by a dissection of the vertebral artery, a tear in one of the arteries supplying blood to the back of the brain. His initial symptoms included persistent nausea, vomiting, neck pain, dizziness and difficulty walking or maintaining his balance.

In Tuesday’s address, Drew thanked those who had supported him during his illness, crediting their prayers and messages of encouragement with helping him through the experience.

“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,” he said.

Describing his recovery as both a trial and a testimony, Drew said the experience had reinforced his appreciation for his faith, family and the people of St Kitts and Nevis.

“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.

While Drew was recovering, Acting Prime Minister Dr Geoffrey Hanley oversaw the Government’s work. Drew said he had been kept up to date on government projects and praised the arrangements made to maintain continuity in his absence.

“Plans were in place. The transition was smooth. The work continued,” he said, describing the process as a testament to the country’s institutions and the maturity of his Cabinet colleagues.

Drew said his commitment to the federation remained firm and that the experience had strengthened his resolve to continue serving.

He also announced plans to travel to Washington, DC, later this week to participate in a US-Caribbean dialogue scheduled for October 15.

The meeting will provide an opportunity to engage senior US officials on issues affecting St Kitts and Nevis, including energy security, economic investment, national security, health care and opportunities for citizens, he said.

Drew said his participation was important to maintaining progress on potential partnerships and advancing commitments that could benefit the country.

“As head of government, along with the Federal Cabinet, it is my responsibility to ensure that St Kitts and Nevis has a strong voice wherever important decisions affecting our future are being discussed, and I intend to continue doing just that,” he said.

Drew said he expected to return home soon to resume his duties in the federation and asked the public to continue praying for him as he returns to work.

“This experience has not weakened me at all. To the contrary, it has strengthened my resolve. I am ready to work,” he said.