Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock told Parliament on Thursday that a recent deterioration in his eyesight forced him to “drop everything” and seek urgent medical attention overseas.
Speaking in the national assembly, Leacock, 75, said he wanted his constituents and the nation to know why he had been overseas, and to assure them that he remains in “good health” despite a long-standing eye condition.
Leacock disclosed that he first suffered retinal tears in both eyes some 13 years ago, which required surgery and left him temporarily without sight.
“Thirteen years ago, I had retinal tears in the back of my eyes, and I had surgery, and so I went for a short period of time without sight. … over a week, I had no sight. Not a very nice experience at all,” he told Parliament.
He said that on the morning he was scheduled to travel to Barbados to represent Prime Minister Godwin Friday at the funeral of legendary West Indies cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers, he noticed that his vision in his right eye had become compromised.
“… and I said after this observation, this is something I should attend to,” he said.
Leacock told Parliament that examinations confirmed he needed corrective treatment.
“As it transpired, I did in fact need to have corrections. Unlike any other sensible post, I dropped everything that I was doing to travel and to attend to my eye,” he said.
Pledge to monitor eye health
Leacock, who has served in Parliament for a quarter of a century, stressed that his absence was highly unusual and not taken lightly.
“I’m back here today, and I’m glad I’m back because in my 25 years here, I don’t think I’ve ever missed a meeting of the Parliament during the time that I’ve been a senator and a member of this Parliament,” said Leacock, who has been MP for Central Kingstown since 2010.
He said he felt it important to address his constituents directly from the floor of the House:
“I want my constituents to know that I’m in good health, and I knock on wood, and I will pay more attention to my eye health.”
Leacock added that, as part of that commitment, he intends to undergo periodic checks over the next year, which will require additional travel.
On the advice of his children, Leacock said he chose to seek treatment in the United States, rather than returning to Barbados, where he had previously undergone surgery.
He said he used the opportunity to continue performing official duties, engaging with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consulate in New York and addressing matters related to his ministerial portfolio.
Leacock added that he assisted the consulate’s work “in particular matters that are related to the ministerial portfolio that I hold”, and signalled that he might provide further details when he addresses an “important question” before the House.
The meeting of Parliament continues.