PM undergoes emergency procedure to clear arteries

The Prime Minister had an emergency procedure on Saturday to clear blocked arteries in his heart. He was due to remain under his doctors’ care afterwards for a second night at the private West Shore Medical Centre in Cocorite.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) issued at 5.30 pm said Dr Rowley underwent two procedures, an angiogram (a test), followed by an angioplasty.

Both “went well,” the release said, and Rowley was "resting comfortably."

An earlier statement from the OPM said Rowley was scheduled to have further medical tests after been admitted yesterday evening, but did not elaborate.

On Friday, Rowley felt discomfort and asked to be taken to hospital.

The PM is scheduled to visit the US later this year for a check-up, having last gone in March 2019 after skipping one in 2017. In 2016, plaque was found in one of his arteries during one of his visits to California.

Sunday Newsday camped outside the main entrance of the hospital for eight hours on Saturday. The PM was visited by his wife Sharon, and elder daughter Tonya Rowley-Cuffy.

Sunday Newsday was told that during Rowley's tests his wife was at his side supporting him.

Several police officers from Special Branch, in plain clothes, and other units were stationed at the hospital.

One supporter, Irene Ash, a Spiritual Baptist, visited the hospital hoping to see the PM, but was denied entry. Ash told the media her church was praying for Rowley's speedy recovery.

Other supporters took to social media to offer support, including Opposition members.

On Friday night, National Security Minister Stuart Young said Rowley was in good spirits, was still functioning as Prime Minister and there was no need for an acting prime minister. He did not discuss the protocols for a situation in which the PM is unable to function owing to an emergency.

When the PM can’t function

Former head of the public service Reginald Dumas said there is nothing in the Constitution that allows for an automatic transition of power should a sitting prime minister be unable to carry out his functions.

He recalled the one time in the country’s history that a sitting prime minister, Dr Eric Williams, died in office, in 1981, when George Chambers, one of three deputy leaders of the PNM, was appointed PM by President Ellis Clarke. He also recalled there was once a position of deputy prime minister, which is not enshrined in the Constitution, but was accepted at the time.

Chapter 5, Section 78 of the Constitution outlines the provisions for the performance of the functions of the PM during his or her absence, illness, or suspension. This allows for the appointment of an acting PM until one is elected or the sitting PM resumes office.

Under the Rowley administration, Minister of Finance Colm Imbert, chairman of the PNM, has been the only person appointed to act, at times when Dr Rowley has been out of the country.