St Vincent: PM Gonsalves leaves for Venezuela to seek medical attention

St Vincent and the Grenadines: Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has left for Venezuela to seek medical attention on April 17, 2022 (Sunday).

This announcement was made by Prime Minister Gonsalves himself through the radio show. PM stated that he would be going to Venezuela and, most possibly to Cuba, as well, to seek medical assistance.

Gonsalves said that he wasn’t feeling good, and his Thursday night went sleepless because of uneasiness and excruciating pain on his right side. Furthermore, he informed that he spent his Good Friday at the hospital and sought treatment through the local doctors and other healthcare personnel. He added that he was advised to “go abroad and do full-check-up”.

Last year, PM Gonsalves sought treatment from Cuba, but this time authorities of Venezuela insisted him to come here. He also stated that insistence is from the highest level.

He further stated that he would miss the meeting with Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, and his wife, whose one-day visit was scheduled to St Vincent and the Grenadines on Saturday on behalf of the Queen.

Prime Minister Gonsalves also informed that he had sent a letter to the Earl and informed him about his health condition and postponement of the meet. The Cabinet Secretary would transmit the letter.

PM has also had interaction with the Governor-General of the State.

Earlier, in late March, PM took a break from the parliament sitting as he was not feeling well after catching the terrible flu. He mentioned that he has not been exposed to COVID-19 but was dealing with stuffiness, headache and coughing.

He stated, “I got a terrible cold, the terrible flu. Apparently, it is going around. I avoided the COVID-19 but ended up with flu; it really mashed me up.”