Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew of St Kitts and Nevis has confirmed that he suffered a stroke late last month, but says he is recovering well and has been discharged from hospital.
Drew, 49, was flown to Florida for further medical care following the incident. In a statement on Sunday, he said his recovery was progressing and that he had left hospital.
The disclosure makes Drew the latest Caribbean head of government to face a serious health episode while in office, and it comes as the twin-island federation continues work on its national agenda. St Kitts and Nevis, like Dominica, is a member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and CARICOM, and the two countries cooperate closely on regional matters including health, security and climate resilience.
Details of when exactly the stroke occurred and how long Drew spent in hospital have not been released. The prime minister did not say whether he would take a period of rest or hand over duties temporarily. There was no immediate word from his office on any changes to his schedule.
Drew, a medical doctor by training, has led St Kitts and Nevis since 2022. His confirmation follows days of public concern about his absence from official engagements. In his statement, he thanked those who had expressed support and asked for privacy as he continues to recover.
News of the stroke is likely to draw messages of support from across the Caribbean, where leaders have in recent years publicly shared their own health challenges. The region's small populations mean such news is felt personally, and official statements are usually measured and brief.
For Dominicans with family, business or study ties to St Kitts and Nevis, the development is a reminder of how closely the Eastern Caribbean is connected. Travel between the islands is frequent, and both countries share institutions in health, education and disaster response.
No further medical details were provided. Drew said only that he is recovering well. Further updates are expected from his office in Basseterre as his recovery continues.
