Frankie returns: Thankful to all, especially TT’s citizens

Taking the floor to contribute to the debate on the Andean Development Corporation Bill, Khan said, “So I feel good. Not so good and so brave as my good friend Mr Panday who said, if he sees me fighting a lion, he will be sorry for the lion.” To laughter, he said, “At this point in my life, I am not looking for any fight with no lion. The occasional fight with (Opposition) Senator (Wade) Mark will suffice.” Apart from thanking all the members of the Senate for their sentiments on his recovery, he thanked the thousands of ordinary citizens who sent messages, expressed their concerns and prayed for him.

“Sometimes as politicians we feel vilified,” he said, “but this experience has taught me that there are a lot of ordinary citizens out there who genuinely care about their leaders. To them all, I thank them sincerely.” Speaking briefly about his illness, he said that while on vacation in Thailand in December last year, he fell ill. “Gravely ill. As a matter of fact, I was hospitalised for 12 days in what turned out to be a cardiac event,” he said.

On his return to Trinidad and Tobago, he said, he had additional testing and immediate bypass surgery on January 8.

Thanking is medical team in Thailand and Trinidad, he said, “After about three months I am here standing by the grace of God.” He said, “I must say that the Thai medical system was first class, and so too was my treatment here in Trinidad.” He thanked his wife and children for their support and being close to him during surgery and recovery.

Thanking Government and Cabinet, he made special mention of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley for his support, understanding, care, and concern.

Not sure if he should say this, Khan said, though, he was given clearance to resume duties since March 20, when he told him, he quoted Rowley as saying, “No way. Take two extra weeks. I want to be sure that you are rested and fit to take office.” He also thanked acting Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Colm Imbert who gave support to his wife while she was in Thailand, and for taking over his energy portfolio even though Imbert’s ministry is challenging. Imbert also acted for him as chairman of the People’s National Movement.

He also recognised Senator Paula Gopee-Scoon who acted as Leader of Government Business while he was on leave.