Drew Cleared to Return to Full Duty

BASSETERRE — Prime Minister The Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew announced in an address to the nation on Tuesday that he has completed his rehabilitation and has been medically cleared to return to full duty, more than six weeks after suffering a stroke.

“Let me confirm that I have completed my rehabilitation, both inpatient and outpatient, and I am doing well,” Drew said. “I also want to confirm that I visited the doctors again today and I was given an excellent bill of health and I was told that I am fit to return to full duty.”

Drew said he will resume official duties this week, travelling to Washington, D.C., to take part in a United States–Caribbean dialogue on Thursday.

“We have already laid the groundwork for several meaningful partnerships, and I want to ensure continuity in those discussions, strengthen the relationships we have built and advance commitments that can bring real benefits to our country,” he said. “As Prime Minister, it is my responsibility, along with the Federal Cabinet, to ensure that St. Kitts and Nevis has a strong voice wherever important decisions affecting our future are being discussed, and I intend to continue doing just that.”

The prime minister thanked the people of St. Kitts and Nevis for their prayers and support during his recovery. He also acknowledged the medical professionals who treated him at the Joseph N. France General Hospital and the specialist teams who provided care abroad.

Dr. Drew said the experience reinforced his faith, deepened his appreciation for his family and strengthened his commitment to serving the Federation. He also recognised Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, his Cabinet colleagues and other public officials for keeping government operations running during his absence.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed his administration’s priorities, including renewable energy, water security, education and food security. On water, he said the government’s desalination plant is meeting its targets.

“This desalination plant is delivering,” he said. “We have surpassed our goal of 70% of the country with 24-hour water access. We will continue to advance in this regard: clean, reliable water in every home. That is not a luxury.”

Dr. Drew was admitted to the Joseph N. France General Hospital on the evening of August 30 after experiencing mild discomfort, nausea and headache. He was then flown abroad for specialized observation. In an earlier national address, he revealed he had suffered a stroke caused by a dissection of the vertebral artery.

Dr. Hanley served as Acting Prime Minister during Drew’s absence under the constitutional order of succession.