Tuesday, August 7 2012

Former President Arthur NR Robinson was yesterday taken to St Clair Medical, Port-of-Spain for observation.

A release from the Office of the Prime Minister said PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar was deeply concerned “upon learning of the sudden hospitalisation” of the former President.

“The former President was taken to the St Clair Medical Centre earlier today (yesterday) for observation. The Prime Minister sends her prayers and heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to the former President and extends her full support to his family.”

There was no information on the illness which led to Robinson, 85, being hospitalised. The former President resides at Ellerslie Park, Maraval. Persad-Bissessar is currently in Jamaica for its Golden Jubilee of Independence celebrations as a guest of the Jamaican government. Chief Secretary Tobago House of Assembly Orville London did not know about Robinson’s hospitalisation until he was asked about it by Newsday. He said, “I am very concerned about that. We definitely send our prayers and best wishes to him. Tobagonians hold him in high esteem.” In 2010, Robinson was hospitalised after collapsing at the funeral service at the Church of the Assumption Maraval for Charles Alleyne, the son of Doddridge Alleyne, the former head of the Public Service. He was hospitalised in 2008 at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope for treatment after complaining of feeling unwell and in 2007 at Westshore Medical, Cocorite after experiencing a “mild stroke.” Robinson had open heart surgery in 1998. Robinson, who was born on December 16, 1926 in Calder Hall, Tobago, was the first THA head (1980-1986), former PM (1986-1991) and President (1997-2003).