By Andre Bagoo Wednesday, August 8 2012

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Comfortable: Former President Arthur NR Robinson resting comfortably at hospital....

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FORMER President ANR Robinson remained “stable” and was “resting comfortably” at the St Clair Medical Centre up to yesterday evening, according to relatives.

But National Security Minister Jack Warner, acting as Prime Minister, yesterday revealed Robinson was not eating and had trouble keeping food down.

The Office of the Prime Minister on Monday night issued a press release revealing that Robinson had been admitted to the St Clair Medical Centre for “observation”.

“Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar expressed deep concern upon learning of the sudden hospitalisation of former President, Arthur NR Robinson,” the release issued on Monday said. “The former President was taken to the St Clair Medical Centre...for observation.”

An official from Robinson’s office yesterday morning said Robinson was still at St Clair and said he was undergoing “just a check-up”. Asked if Robinson, 85, complained of pain on Monday, the official said “no.”

Up to yesterday evening, relatives at Robinson’s home declined to speak in detail about his condition but assured he was “stable and resting comfortably.” They could not say when he would be released. The Office of the Prime Minister issued no further updates.

However Warner, acting as Prime Minister and Head of the National Security Council, as well as the Sports Minister, in addition to his Security portfolio, paid Robinson a visit yesterday afternoon. At Robinson’s bedside were relatives, including his daughter Margaret Ann.

Warner, after his visit, spoke with reporters saying Robinson was “lucid” and might be discharged today.

“He is quite clear,” he said. “He is speaking quiet well. In fact, he said to me that I brought new vigor and energy to the Government and he said anything he can do to help me he will. He has commended me for the work I am doing and propose to do and I wish him the best and a speedy recovery. I’m advised that he may check out tomorrow (today).”

Warner did not say what specific symptoms or ailment had plagued the former President but said the Government had offered assistance in any possible way.

“I did not ask. I have a fair idea but I think it is a private matter. Anything the Government can do to make it better to help him have a speedy recovery we shall do,” Warner said. “I told him the sky is the limit and I was speaking on behalf of Mrs Persad-Bissessar and the Govern-

ment.”

Of Robinson, he continued, “He was extremely lucid. He spoke highly about the Government, the Prime Minister and he spoke very hopefully about the new ministry I now hold and what it means for the country.”

“He is very lucid, he his weak. As soon as he can keep something down, apparently he is not eating, they shall discharge him and they are optimistic that that can be done as early as tomorrow if not the day after,” Warner said.