Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley remained hospitalised at the West Shore Medical Hospital this morning after feeling unwell yesterday afternoon, according to a release today from the Office of the Prime Minister.
Rowley was said to have had ‘a comfortable night’ and ‘will have medical tests conducted this morning’. The release thanked well-wishers for their prayers but did not name the hospital that is hosting the prime minister nor give details on his ailment.
Yesterday evening, a Trinidad Express report said the prime minister checked in to the West Shore Medical Hospital at roughly 5pm to be treated for ‘a cardiac issue’.
This was followed by a statement from Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young, who said that Rowley felt ‘some discomfort’ but was ‘in good spirits’.
“I wish to advise that Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago had some discomfort this afternoon” stated Young, on the ministry’s Facebook page, “and as a precautionary measure he decided to seek medical attention and have a check up. At this time, we are pleased to advise that the Prime Minister is in good spirits.
“Out of an abundance of caution he will be kept for observation and further tests will be conducted.”
This morning, the Express claimed that the prime minister will undergo a coronary angiogram, which uses X-ray imaging to check the heart’s blood vessels and can help diagnose a stroke, aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, tumour, clots, and arterial stenosis.
The prime minister has cancelled a press conference scheduled for 2.30pm today at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s.
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar as well as the People’s National Movement (PNM) and United National Congress (UNC) Facebook pages all extended prayers and well-wishes to the prime minister.
A UNC statement read:
“Following on Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s message last night, the entire United National Congress and its membership extends our best wishes for a speedy recovery to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.
“Our political differences should never override our common humanity and, indeed, our brotherhood and sisterhood as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. We are all striving for the betterment of our country, even if we may have different views on the best path to get there.
“We wish Dr Rowley all of God’s blessings for good health.”