Prime Minister Drew says he is stable in Florida hospital and recovering well

BASSETERRE, St Kitts and Nevis. Prime Minister Terrance Drew says he is in a stable condition at an undisclosed hospital in South Florida and is recovering well.

Drew fell ill on Sunday, complaining of nausea, headaches and other symptoms which medical officials said appeared to mirror an oncoming stroke.

He was seen by local doctors, stabilised and taken to the main hospital in nearby Martinique, where doctors also recommended that he be flown to a specialist hospital in the United States.

Reports of a mild stroke

Martinique La Première reported that the prime minister had suffered a mild stroke. Drew, a Cuban-trained doctor, says his condition has improved to the point that he went for a walk this week on the advice of doctors.

In a video posted on social media late on Thursday, he described his symptoms.

"I noticed a distinct pain on the left side of my neck accompanied by a mild headache and dizziness. As the day progressed, I began feeling unsteady on my feet and had difficulty with my balance and walking," he said.

"My wife and I travelled here on the advice of medical specialists in St Kitts and Nevis, as well as specialists in Martinique, so that further investigations could be conducted. At this stage there is nothing alarming to report, but the doctors are continuing their investigations," he added.

A period of rest

Drew indicated that he plans to rest. "I knew the best thing I could do was step back, follow my doctor's orders, and take the rest my body required," he said.

"I remain in good spirits, getting fully active, fully conscious and in stable condition as these evaluations continue. I will further update you on my condition on the completion of my medical evaluations, but I am recovering well," he said.

He thanked the public for "the tremendous outpouring of love, concern and praise".

Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley is running the federation in Drew's absence. In a national address this week he said: "We are fully focused on keeping our national development agenda moving forward without hesitation or delay."