Former Jamaica Prime Minister, P.J. Patterson, To Undergo Surgery, Following Vehicular Accident

KINGSTON, Jamaica, October 16, 2019 (CMC) – Former Prime Minister, P.J. Patterson, was to undergo surgery at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), yesterday, for injuries sustained to his right knee and hip, following a vehicular accident at his home, on Monday night.

A statement by the main opposition, the People’s National Party (PNP), said that a medical team, led by Dr. Kenneth Vaughn, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon at the UHWI, said Patterson is expected to make a full recovery with the appropriate medical treatment.

Patterson, 84, was visited by Opposition Leader, Dr. Peter Phillips, as well as Health Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, and the Minister with responsibility for Education, Youth, and Information, Karl Samuda.

In its statement, the PNP said that it wished Patterson, the island’s sixth prime minister, who served from 1992 to 2005, a speedy and complete recovery.

“On behalf of the leadership, members and supporters, we are all saddened by the news, but heartened because it could have been worse, but for the grace of God,” Phillips said in the statement.

A release from Patterson’s office, said that the former prime minister had a motor vehicle accident at home, requiring him to be taken to the Tony Thwaites Wing at the University Hospital for checks and observation.