Trinidad: PM warded at West Shore following chest pain

Trinidad and Tobago Guardian – Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley spent last night under observation at the West Shore Medical Private Hospital in Cocorite after being admitted to the facility around 5 pm yesterday.

Rowley checked himself into the facility “as a precautionary measure” after experiencing some discomfort.

Initial reports had indicated that he had been experiencing cardiac problems but sources told Guardian Media that doctors checking the prime minister were able to rule out any serious heart problem.

He was, however, kept for observation.

The Office of the Prime Minister sought to clarify concerns with a statement issued around 7 pm.

“I wish to advise that Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago had some discomfort this afternoon 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.”

Around 7.37 pm National Security Minister Stuart Young exited the hospital with Police Commissioner Gary Griffith.

When Young approached the media he confirmed Rowley would be kept at the facility overnight.

Rowley was in very good spirits and was with his family, Young said.

“He is going to be resting, as you would expect he is going to be kept overnight for observation and the doctors will do what they have to do. He is in good hands but at this stage, it is just for them to run some additional tests and just to keep him for observation overnight,” Young said.

Young said Rowley was “fully coherent”.

“It is the prime minister and he is carrying on conversation, joking that kind of thing he is in a good state,” Young said.

“The affairs of government continue as exactly as they are at this stage the prime minister is the prime minister I have been in touch with other colleagues in the Cabinet we all continue to pray for him and we all know the job we have to do which is our various ministerial portfolios. All correspondence coming out will come of the Office of the Prime Minister going forward and we just continue to wait,” he said.

The prime minister was supposed to host a news conference today at 2:30 pm on COVID-19 measures.

Young said that media conference was now postponed to a date to be announced.

Young said Commissioner Griffith had contacted him immediately and came to the hospital and did a check of facilities.

“You know how proactive he is. He did the check and we’ve put certain security arrangments in place as you would for a prime minister.”

Rowley’s daughter Sonel who was in T&T for Christmas returned to the US recently, sources said.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh who was contacted, referred to the OPM’s statement.

An update of Rowley’s health is expected to be given today.

The People’s National Movement (PNM) of which Rowley is political leader, issued a release wishing him a “swift and complete recovery.”

“The executive and membership of the People’s National Movement lift in prayer our Political Leader, the indefatigable Dr the honourable Keith Christopher Rowley, as he experiences the medical episode,” it stated.

In 2019 Rowley underwent medical tests in California concerning some ‘soft plaque’ which was found in one of his arteries.

The issue originally arose in 2016 when he carried out a series of tests for prostate cancer in the US, following which he was given a clean bill of health.

Opposition members, including Dr Roodal Moonilal and Rudranath Indarsingh, also wished the PM a speedy recovery.