Drew Conducts Cabinet Meetings From Florida During Stroke Recovery

While recuperating in Florida from a stroke, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has been holding discussions with his Cabinet to stay informed on government operations and national affairs.

In recent meetings, Drew spoke with Attorney General Garth Wilkin, who is currently overseeing National Security, Citizenship and Immigration, as well as with Minister Marsha Henderson. He expressed appreciation to Acting Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley and other Cabinet members for their leadership in his absence.

Deputy Prime Minister Hanley travelled to Miami on Monday, September 28, to see Drew after representing St. Kitts and Nevis at the 81st United Nations General Assembly session in New York. During their meeting, Hanley updated the Prime Minister on the Federation's work at the UN and reviewed priorities facing the government.

Drew entered Joseph N. France General Hospital on the evening of August 30 complaining of mild discomfort, nausea and headache. He was subsequently transferred abroad for specialized medical care. In remarks to the nation days later, he revealed that a dissection of the vertebral artery had caused his stroke. He stated that his physical and mental condition remained stable, with full limb movement and clear speech maintained.

The Prime Minister has since left hospital care and is undergoing occupational and physical therapy in Florida. He has not announced when he will return home.

Under constitutional succession rules, Hanley has assumed the role of Acting Prime Minister and oversees the Ministries of Finance, Health, and Human Resource Management and Social Security. While Hanley was in New York, Minister Konris Maynard served as Acting Prime Minister. Wilkin took charge of National Security, Citizenship and Immigration during Drew's recovery.

Drew stated that the Federation's operations have run smoothly throughout his illness. He thanked his family and the public for their prayers and backing, expressing confidence that he will resume full responsibilities when he returns.