BASSETERRE, St Kitts – In a nationally televised and broadcast address Tuesday, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew of St Kitts and Nevis announced that his medical team has issued a full clean bill of health, clearing him to resume all official prime ministerial duties just over a month after he suffered a stroke that required emergency medical care abroad.
Drew, a trained medical doctor himself, first fell ill in late August, presenting with persistent neck pain, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and impaired mobility and balance. He was quickly airlifted first to Martinique on August 31, then transferred to a specialized hospital in Miami, United States, for evaluation and treatment on September 2. The prime minister later confirmed his stroke was caused by a vertebral artery dissection, a tear in one of the major arteries located at the base of the brain.
After completing both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs in the U.S., Drew shared that his latest check-up confirmed he has made a full recovery. In an emotional opening to his address, he expressed profound gratitude to the people of St Kitts and Nevis for their widespread support during his health crisis.
“From the depths of my soul, thank you. Thank you for every prayer whispered in the quiet of the night. Thank you for every message, every call, every kind word. I felt your love and care. I felt your faith. And I believe, I truly believe, that it helped to carry me through,” Drew said.
The prime minister used his address to confirm his return to full governance, noting that the temporary transition of power to Acting Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley proceeded without disruption. While Drew recuperated, Hanley oversaw all ongoing government projects, and Drew said the seamless handover and continued progress is proof of the strength and stability of the federation’s governing institutions.
“Plans were in place. The transition was smooth. The work continued. That is a testament to the strength of our institutions, to the character of our people who serve in them, and also to the maturity of my Cabinet colleagues,” Drew added.
Reflecting on his brush with mortality, the prime minister said the experience has only deepened his commitment to the core priorities he has championed for the nation: faith, family, public health, and long-term progress for current and future generations. He confirmed he will move forward with a planned high-profile diplomatic engagement this week, traveling to Washington, D.C. to take part in the October 15 U.S.-Caribbean strategic dialogue.
Drew emphasized that his in-person attendance at the talks is critical to advancing ongoing bilateral partnerships that touch on core national priorities for St Kitts and Nevis, including energy security, new economic investment, national security cooperation, expanded healthcare access, and improved opportunities for all citizens.
“This meeting presents a valuable opportunity to engage directly with senior United States officials on matters that are important to our Federation… 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 explained.
As head of government, Drew added, it is his core responsibility to ensure St Kitts and Nevis maintains a strong, active voice in all international discussions that shape the nation’s future. He noted he will return to St Kitts shortly after concluding his business in Washington to resume full-time governance at home.
The 44-year-old prime minister added that his health ordeal has not weakened his resolve to lead the federation, but has instead strengthened his commitment to public service. “This experience has not weakened me at all. To the contrary, it has strengthened my resolve. I am ready to work,” he said. “I am committed to building and advancing our beloved Federation of St Kitts and Nevis. I therefore ask for your continued prayer, as I also will pray for you, and I extend my blessing to every home, every family, and every community across our nation.”