By Admin. Updated 6:45 p.m., Thursday, September 3, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, has sought to reassure the nation that he is recovering well after suffering a health scare that led to his hospitalisation and subsequent transfer to the United States for further medical evaluation.
In a national address delivered on Thursday from South Florida, Dr Drew disclosed that he remains in stable condition and that doctors have found “nothing alarming” so far, although they are continuing with specialist investigations.
The Prime Minister explained that he travelled to the United States with his wife on the advice of medical specialists in St Kitts and Nevis and overseas, who recommended additional tests as a precaution.
“At this stage, there is nothing alarming to report, but the doctors are continuing their investigations, and I believe it is important that they are allowed to be thorough,” he said.
Dr Drew also revealed, for the first time, the symptoms that prompted him to seek urgent medical attention.
He said he began experiencing persistent nausea last Sunday, which later progressed to repeated vomiting. He also developed pain on the left side of his neck, accompanied by a mild headache and dizziness. As the day went on, he began struggling with his balance and walking.
Recognising the seriousness of those symptoms, the Prime Minister said he sought medical advice and was directed to the Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital, where doctors immediately carried out scans and other diagnostic tests.
“As a medical doctor, I know when it is time to practise medicine and when it is time to simply be the patient,” Dr Drew said.
The Prime Minister described the experience as a personal wake-up call and used the opportunity to encourage people across the federation to take their own health seriously.
“We must listen when our bodies speak to us. Please take your health seriously. Get your regular check-ups. Take the time to rest and never ignore the warning signs when something does not feel right,” he urged.
Dr Drew expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received from citizens, residents and well-wishers, thanking them for their prayers, messages and encouragement.
He also praised the doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals at the JNF General Hospital for their swift response, along with the medical teams now overseeing his care abroad.
In addition, he acknowledged the assistance of diplomatic officials, including representatives of the French Embassy, the United States Embassy and the Commonwealth of Dominica.
“I remain in good spirits, fully active, fully conscious and in stable condition as these evaluations continue,” he said.
The address follows an earlier statement from the Cabinet Secretariat confirming that Dr Drew had been admitted to hospital on the evening of August 30 after experiencing nausea, headache and other symptoms. Medical specialists subsequently recommended that he be transported overseas for specialised observation and precautionary monitoring.
On September 1, the Cabinet Secretariat also announced interim governance arrangements to ensure the uninterrupted operation of government during the Prime Minister’s medical absence.
Under those arrangements, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Geoffrey Hanley has been appointed Acting Prime Minister and has assumed responsibility for the Ministries of Finance, Health, and Human Resource Management and Social Security, in addition to his existing portfolio. Responsibility for National Security, Citizenship and Immigration has been assigned to Minister Garth Wilkin.
Dr Drew said he intends to keep the public informed as his medical evaluations continue and expressed confidence that he is on the road to recovery.
“My family and I are deeply grateful. May God continue to bless each and every one of you, and may He continue to bless our beloved Federation of St Kitts and Nevis,” he said.
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