St. Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew undergoing medical tests overseas

St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has arrived at an undisclosed medical facility overseas, where he is undergoing diagnostic tests and specialist assessments after falling ill over the weekend, the government said.

In an update, the Cabinet Secretariat said Drew, 49, arrived at the medical facility “without incident and is comfortably settled” alongside his family.

The government has not disclosed the country or medical institution where Drew is receiving treatment.

“The attending specialists have consulted directly with the clinical team at the Joseph N France (JNF) General Hospital in Basseterre to review his medical records and coordinate his care plan. Prime Minister Drew remains in stable condition, fully alert and in good spirits as these evaluations proceed,” the statement said.

The government previously announced that Drew, a medical doctor, became ill and was admitted to the JNF General Hospital on the evening of Sunday, Aug. 30.

Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, who is serving as acting prime minister, said in a nationwide address Monday night that he spoke with Drew before the prime minister departed the twin-island federation for medical care.

Hanley sought to reassure the public that government operations would continue normally during Drew’s absence.

“The leadership team remains unified and focused, and the business of the government and the nation continues without interruption,” Hanley said.

The Cabinet Secretariat reiterated that government operations and social and economic activities across the federation are continuing as normal under Hanley and the Federal Cabinet of Ministers.

“The prime minister and his family wish to convey their sincere gratitude to the citizens and residents of Saint Kitts and Nevis, as well as regional and international partners, for the support and prayers extended to them,” the Cabinet said.

Several Caribbean leaders have since expressed support for Drew and wished him a speedy recovery.

Caribbean Community Chairman and St. Lucia Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre said Monday that he had been informed of his “colleague and friend’s” illness.

“I want to wish him a speedy recovery,” Pierre said, “so that he could continue to do the work of the people of St Kitts and Nevis.”

Pierre said Drew’s illness should also serve as a reminder to regional leaders about the pressures associated with public office.

“This should serve as a wake-up call for us prime ministers who sometimes underestimate the stress and demands of our job,” he said.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley described Drew as “a valued colleague, a friend and our Caribbean brother.”

“He and his family remain in our prayers, and we wish him renewed strength, healing and a full recovery,” Mottley said. “May God hold him in his care. We look forward to seeing him well again.”

Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell also expressed concern over Drew’s hospitalization, saying his government’s thoughts and prayers were with the prime minister and his family.

“We also stand with the Government and people of Saint Kitts and Nevis and join them in wishing Prime Minister Drew renewed strength, good health and a speedy return to his official duties,” Mitchell said.

The Cabinet Secretariat said further updates on Drew’s condition will be provided as necessary.