Senator Francis showing signs of improvement – PM

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has taken over the ministries of Urban Development, Energy, Airports, Seaports, Grenadines Affairs and Local Government, which were held by Senator Julian Francis.

Senator Francis, 71, took ill on Sunday, July 24 and was rushed to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) in Kingstown.

The Unity Labour Party (ULP) Senator, who was diagnosed with a stroke and was bleeding in the brain, was stabilized at the MCMH before being flown to Barbados on Sunday night for further treatment.

The Prime Minister told listeners to NBC Radio on Wednesday, July 27 that there has been improvement in the senator’s medical condition.
Gonsalves noted that Francis’ blood pressure was coming down and the bleeding and swelling had ceased .

“The first few hours are critical,” Gonsalves said, as he thanked the staff at the MCMH.

He also expressed gratitude to the administration of Prime Minister Mia Mottley and to the medical staff in Barbados, including Neurologist Dr David Corbin for administering care to Senator Francis.

Francis would have been very busy this weekend, with the ULP’s convention scheduled for Sunday, July 31 at the Campden Park Secondary School.

The convention is being held under the theme “Building our party, strengthening our nation.”

The Prime Minister said on Wednesday that the theme has been amended to include the phrase “Uplifting Julian.’