By Andre Bagoo Friday, November 13 2009

CARONI EAST MP Dr Tim Gopeesingh yesterday expressed sympathies for Carolyn Hunt, the wife of Sports Minister Gary Hunt, who has been diagnosed as deaf following a sudden deterioration of her hearing. His comments came as an outpouring for Mrs Hunt also occurred on her husband’s profile on Facebook, the social networking site.

“I am very sensitive to the illness of all persons and I wish the wife of the Sports Minister a speedy recovery,” Gopeesingh, a practisping doctor, said. “I empathise with Mrs Hunt’s medical disorder and wish her well in terms of the restoring of her hearing deficit.”

He added, “at the same time, the principle of the State caring for a minister’s family should be applied equally to all children and citizens who are unable to seek medical help nationally and have to be referred for international medical treatment.”

“Generally, the Government has a moral obligation to look after all citizens equally. And fairly and urgently. We should not hear of cases of officials waiting until patients are almost at the point of death to then offer some last minute assistance,” Gopeesingh said. He noted that Mrs Hunt’s condition, which saw her lose hearing and have cochlear implant surgery, was a common one.

“There are many people who are referred to ear, nose and throat specialists who require a cochlear implant. I am not aware whether any of the ear, nose and throat specialists are doing this procedure now in Trinidad and Tobago. If they are, it would only be a recent practice.”

On his Facebook profile Gopeesingh posted, “I call on all citizens to therefore join the UNC’s call on Government to ensure that the people who benefit from its free medical funding include all citizens and not just the chosen few in Cabinet or those who can afford the medical bills on their own.” At the same time, on Hunt’s own Facebook profile, there was an outpouring of support from the online community.

“You are both in my prayers. Be strong and be there for each other. God tests our faith in many ways,” wrote one Rhonda Stephen.

While one Anderson Morris wrote, “Sorry to hear of your wife’s hearing loss. I’ll pray for you and your family during these trying times.”

“Just read about your wife’s hearing loss. On behalf of my family and the Mausica/Maloney electoral district I wish to express our sincerest sympathies to her and pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen you as you seek to come to terms with this personal trial. God bless,” wrote Eric Ribeiro.