Mystery around Jeremie’s health

Jeremie made a public statement in the Senate to address speculation on his health which was rife over the past fortnight. The issue arose on April 19 when a President’s letter appointed a replacement for Jeremie in the Senate "by reason of illness." Later, the Ministry of Public Administra-tion on April 22 issued a statement titled "AG on sick leave." But attempts to find out the nature of his illness had not been answered by his office, or by acting Prime Minister, Minister of Public Administration, Dr Lenny Saith.

Yesterday he publicly admitted to having health problems, but declined to say what they were, speaking in the Senate after an absence which had prompted concern.

Jeremie told the Senate, "I applied for personal leave from the Prime Minister as is normal last week. That leave was granted. I was shocked and dismayed to learn that Senator Mark, who is not here, unavoidably attributed my leave from the country to the fact that I was at death’s bed. That caused no end of anguish for my family. I am not at death’s bed, as my presence here this afternoon ought to illustrate.

"Madam President, I along with numerous other people face health challenges which I deal with, and with which I treat with responsibility, and in a way so far which has not affected the carrying out of my duties and my responsibilities to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

I should just like to reassure the Senate, national community and the Newsday newspaper according to Dr Saith who have taken a personal interest in this matter, that I am not at death’s bed, and that I have none of the conditions attributed to me.

Not that they in themselves are conditions which one ought to be ashamed of. There are several persons in this country who have heart problems with which I am prepared to align myself with if I had a heart condition — I do not. With those few words, I beg to move." Senate President, Dr Linda Baboolal, said: "We can see you are in quite vigorous health, Mr Attorney General."

Later yesterday, Jeremie’s communication officer told Newsday that the AG was denying he was suffering from prostate cancer. When Newsday, which never said Jeremie was dying, but was seriously ill, spoke to Jeremie after the Senate, he said: "I’m feeling fine."

He said he was quite up to the job of AG adding, "At the end of the day there is a Prime Minister whose responsibility it is to decide." Asked if he was going abroad for treatment, he replied: "no comment." He concluded, "Thank you very much for your concern."