PM: Serious surgery for Frankie

Asked to elaborate on Khan’s surgery, Rowley said the minister was not hospitalised at this time. “He’s at home, he has been examined by local doctors and has serious heart challenges. He is due for surgery on Sunday.”

Reminded that Finance Minister Colm Imbert acted for Khan while the latter was in Thailand, Rowley said Imbert will continue to act as Energy Minister until Khan, “is able to relieve him.” Khan did not participate in the two-day Government retreat at the Diplomatic Centre which ended yesterday

When Newsday asked whether any consideration was given to Khan being unable to continue as Energy Minister following his surgery, the Prime Minister replied,” I’m an optimist. I am hoping and expecting that his surgery will go well and he will come back to his job after.”

Khan and his wife Laura returned home from Thailand last Thursday, “around noon.” At a post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in St Clair on December 22, 2016, Minister in the OPM, Stuart Young, said certain media reports which claimed Khan suffered a heart attack were incorrect. Young explained, “It is a complication to do with his heart and brought on by a viral infection. They found fluid in his lungs and they are treating that situation now.” Young said Khan, earlier last year, had, “some issues related to his heart and he went through some non-invasive medical procedures.” He said it was for Khan and his family to decide what would be the next step in his treatment and whether this would involve him being medically evaluated in TT when he returns.