Trinidad PM Denies Being Diagnosed With Cancer

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) –Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley is celebrating his 66^th birthday Saturday, dismissing speculation that he has been diagnosed with cancer.

Rowley, who is on his first trip to Tobago since being elected head of government following the September 7 general election, told the Trinidad Express newspaper that there was no merit to the speculation that he had been diagnosed with cancer.

The rumours of his illness started soon after Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie told  reporters that Rowley was unable to attend a parliamentary session where the debate of his new administration was being discussed because of a dental appointment.

During his surprise attendance at the news conference that followed this week’s Cabinet, Rowley told reporters that while he was not now able to play golf as he used to prior to his new position, he was healthy.

He told the Trinidad Express newspaper that rumours he had been diagnosed with cancer is part of the plans by his detractors, mainly in the opposition, to try and affect his credibility.

“They tried to portray me as a thief, that failed; as a rapist, that failed. And they now are spending time fabricating stories about my health. And God willing they will fail at that too.

“I am in as good health as I have ever been. I am at my normal weight of 183 pounds. I have no stress that is causing me to be hospitalised or medicated.”