BASSETERRE, St Kitts — In a formal announcement released Tuesday 1 September 2026, the Cabinet Secretariat of Saint Kitts and Nevis confirmed a series of temporary adjustments to ministerial portfolios after Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew departed the country to seek specialized medical care overseas for an undisclosed health condition.
The reshuffle comes after local medical teams recommended the prime minister pursue advanced treatment outside the country. According to official accounts, Dr. Drew first became unwell and received 18 hours of initial treatment and observation at home before his care team advised international specialist care. The decision to travel was framed as a precautionary step, made fully in line with the explicit guidance of his attending physicians.
To date, the government has not released any details on the specific nature of Dr. Drew’s ailment, but officials confirmed that the prime minister remains in stable condition. “He remains in stable condition, and the Government is heartened by the continued messages of support and prayer from citizens, residents, and regional and international partners,” the Secretariat’s statement read.
Acting on Dr. Drew’s own request, the temporary portfolio reassignments have been implemented to guarantee unbroken governance, uphold constitutional succession protocols, and prevent any interruption to the day-to-day administration of national affairs. Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley will step into the role of Acting Prime Minister for the duration of Dr. Drew’s absence. In addition to his existing ministerial duties, Hanley will also take over oversight of the Ministries of Finance, Health, and Human Resource Management and Social Security.
Attorney-General Garth Wilkin will assume temporary responsibility for the portfolios of National Security, Citizenship and Immigration, filling the gaps left by the prime minister’s departure.
The Cabinet Secretariat emphasized that these temporary changes were specifically structured to eliminate any risk of disruption to government operations. “These measures are designed to ensure that every arm of Government continues to function without disruption, and that the essential services on which the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis rely remain fully operational,” the statement explained.
As news of the prime minister’s medical leave spread, messages of concern and well-wishes have poured in from across Saint Kitts and Nevis’ political spectrum, as well as from governments and public figures across the wider Caribbean region. The Federal Cabinet has reaffirmed its unified support for Dr. Drew and his family throughout this period, issuing a formal statement of hope for a full and rapid recovery.