JLP candidate out of hospital after falling ill on TV programme
JAMAICA Labour Party (JLP) candidate for East Central St Andrew Claude Riddell is out of hospital and resting at home, after falling ill on the live television programme Your Issues Live on TVJ, Thursday night.
Riddell, who is competing against the People’s National Party’s (PNP) Dr Peter Phillips for the seat, fell ill on the programme and failed to answer several questions, coherently.
According to a spokesperson for his campaign team, Beverly Prince – councillor for the Cassia Park Division – Riddell’s blood pressure had risen way above normal limits, leading to signals of somnolence, confusion and visual disturbances.
She said that after the programme the candidate was taken to the Medical Associates Hospital in St Andrew, where it was confirmed that he was suffering severe hypertension.
“He fainted in the car on his way to the hospital and when we got there (Medical Associates), the doctor confirmed that his blood pressure was too high. They kept him for a few hours then sent him home,” Councillor Prince said last night.
Prince said she did not think that the attack would have any permanent effect on Riddell and his election campaign.
Dr Phillips did not participate in the show which discussed issues in the constituency in the context of the August 27 general election.
“He should be up and about by Monday,” Prince said, expressing optimism that Riddell would defeat Phillips.
“He is doing very well. I have been through five elections here in East Central and I know he is going to win,” she said.
JLP deputy leader, with responsibility for Area Council One (Kingston and St Andrew), Derrick Smith, said that he was concerned that the producers of the television programme did not see the seriousness of the situation.
“I think that it was unfortunate that experienced journalists were involved who didn’t recognise the seriousness of the situation and allowed Mr Riddell to get some help,” he said.
He said that after Riddell was taken to the Medical Associates Hospital, a number of JLP representatives including himself; Dr Kenneth Baugh, chairman; Karl Samuda, general secretary; and Tom Tavares-Finson visited him at the hospital.
Riddell, an electrical engineer, currently operates his own business.
