Jamaican PM collapses during speech
Jamaica’s prime minister was rushed to a hospital after he collapsed during a speech. He was later released and was resting at home.
Prime Minister PJ Patterson, 65, was speaking to residents last night in the town of Portmore, about 15 miles west of Kingston, when he grew faint.
He was about 15 minutes into his address when he stopped and sat down. Patterson attempted to resume his address but collapsed at the lectern. Two bodyguards caught him.
Efforts were made to revive him, and he was offered a glass of fizzy drink, but he didn’t drink it. The prime minister was led to a four-wheel-drive vehicle and whisked away to a hospital.
It was not immediately clear why Patterson collapsed. He was resting at his official residence in Kingston, Vale Royal, and was being treated by his doctor, said Information Minister Collin Campbell.
‘‘He is basically OK, he walked from his car into Vale Royal,’’ Campbell said.
‘‘As soon as his examination is completed, then I think I will be able to give the nation an update as to his condition.’’
He did not say when more information would be available.
It was the second time Patterson had to halt a speech and seek medical attention.
During his first campaign as president of the ruling People’s National Party in 1993, he similarly fainted at a podium in Portmore after a hectic tour.
Patterson is serving his second term in office, and he has had no other reported health problems.
