St. Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew reveals he suffered a stroke

St. Kitts and Nevis 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 preparing to return home to resume his duties.

In a public update, Drew said doctors determined that he suffered the stroke after a dissection of one of the arteries at the back of his brain.

“After all of the analysis, I suffered a stroke,” Drew said, explaining that it resulted from “a dissection of one of the arteries in the back of my brain called the vertebral artery.”

Despite the seriousness of the condition, Drew said the effects have been well managed and that his movement, speech and cognitive 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,” he said.

Drew 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.

The prime minister said his health before the stroke may have helped his recovery, noting that his blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure were well controlled.

He also credited his faith with helping him through the experience.

“I take my prayer life seriously, my meditation life seriously, and these things have really helped me through this most difficult time,” Drew said.

The prime minister thanked medical professionals in St. Kitts and Nevis and the United States, along with his family, political colleagues and members of the public who offered prayers and support.

He specifically thanked medical teams at the J.N. France General Hospital, MADNIC and Baptist Health in Florida, as well as other medical professionals and officials involved in arranging his treatment.

Drew said the team at J.N. France General Hospital provided appropriate treatment during the critical “golden hour” following the stroke, allowing him to be stabilized before traveling overseas for further care.

He also sought to reassure citizens that the government has continued functioning during his absence, saying contingency arrangements were already in place for emergencies.

Drew said that while he was still at J.N. France General Hospital, he met with the full Cabinet and outlined how his responsibilities would be delegated before leaving the country for further treatment.

“All of my responsibilities are delegated to the pertinent ministers,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley has been serving as acting prime minister, while other Cabinet ministers have continued carrying out government business.

Drew described the transition as “extremely smooth” and said the government has continued to function “extremely well.”

“This administration is mature, it is competent, and it takes no chances,” he said.

Drew also thanked his wife, son, mother and sisters, along with members of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party and other political colleagues who supported him during his illness. He expressed particular appreciation to Hanley and the Cabinet for maintaining government operations.

Looking ahead, Drew said he intends to return to St. Kitts and Nevis and resume his responsibilities, including leading Cabinet, attending Parliament and representing 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.

“But ultimately, the greatest thanks goes to God Almighty, for without Him, I would not be here,” Drew added.