Government: Khan died of heart attack

MINISTER of Communications and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Symon de Nobriga revealed that the late energy minister Franklin Khan died of a heart attack.

De Nobriga told Newsday, "Franklin Khan had a history of heart problems, so I'm not sure if there was anything untoward in his passing. We are obviously very saddened by it, but he had a history of heart problems.

"It has been confirmed that he died of a heart attack."

On Sunday afternoon, Newsday contacted de Nobriga for any word on funeral arrangements for Khan, who died on Saturday morning.

"I've not been part of any conversation regarding funeral arrangements," de Nobriga said. He was not sure if such a conversation has been taking place, but expected news within a few days.

Likewise PNM PRO Laurel Lezama-Lee Sing told Newsday, "I've had no official word on that. That would come from the family, Mrs Laura Khan. But the PNM is certainly in mourning, that's for sure."

Newsday asked de Nobriga if an autopsy would be done to find the cause of death, especially as speculation raged on social media about any causal link between Khan's death and the fact that he had the AstraZeneca vaccine days before.

De Nobriga said, "I don't know of any plan for that either."

He referred Newsday to Khan's widow, Laura Khan, but she could not be reached despite repeated efforts to call Khan's phone, which Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat said was being answered by Mrs Khan.

On Saturday, Minister of National Security Stuart Young was urging people not to speculate on the cause of Khan's death but rather to wait for the results of an autopsy.

Newsday sent text messages via WhatsApp to Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh asking about an autopsy for Khan, but he replied, "Speak to the family."

Newsday also inquired of Deyalsingh about the health of the Prime Minister, who remains in isolation for his recuperation from covid19, but got no reply.

Likewise, there was no reply to a text to Dr Rowley himself seeking an update on his health status and who he intends to name as the new energy minister.

Meanwhile, Newsday called one prospect, Conrad Enill, who is National Gas Company (NGC) chairman and former energy minister in the Patrick Manning administration, but got no reply.