THE OFFICE of the Prime Minister is confirming an incident in which Dr Rowley fell ill at a panyard on Tuesday night.

The Facebook post said the Prime Minister “began feeling faint” and had to be assisted to his vehicle while awaiting the performance of the steelband for the judges at the National Panorama Large Conventional Bands preliminaries.

Dr Rowley was at the Queen’s Park Oval, the post said.

The statement said Rowley’s schedule began before dawn on Tuesday, and included a visit to Pt Lisas.

“He worked throughout the day attending to several matters of state. The Prime Minister also visited several panyards yesterday (Tuesday) evening.”

The Office of the PM said during the day Dr Rowley did not have any meals and by 1.30 am, he “began feeling faint.”

“The Prime Minister has since recovered and will chair the national security council meeting this morning (Wednesday) at 10 am,” the statement said.

“Dr Rowley would like to thank everyone who expressed concern and support.”

The Prime Minister's day on Tuesday included attending the opening of PriceSmart's Sustainable Solution Plants, Unit 11, Trinity Lane and Bagasse Road, Point Lisas Business Park, Couva.

He and several members of his Cabinet then visited several panyards in Port of Spain, including Massy Trinidad All Stars on Duke Street and Invaders, which performed at the Oval, where he fell ill.

Rowley, 73, has had covid19 three times, and undergoes regular medical check-ups relating to his heart. In March 2019, he went to California for heart tests, after a plaque build-up was found in one of his arteries in an earlier check-up in 2016. The 2016 visit included tests for prostate cancer, for which he was given a clean bill of health. Rowley got another clean bill of health after tests done in 2019.

In January 2021, Rowley was warded briefly at the West Shore Private Medical Hospital, Cocorite, after complaining of discomfort.

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