OLIVIA “Babsy” Grange, the well-loved minister of culture, entertainment and sports, remained in hospital Thursday where sources say the 78-year-old politician was admitted earlier this week for breathing issues. The sources said she has not contracted COVID-19.

Government spokesman Abka Fitz-Henley, parliamentary secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, in responding to concerns about the minister’s health, said she was admitted to the ICU as a precautionary measure but was “expected to be released from the ICU imminently”.

He, however, could not say when the Cabinet minister was expected to be released from hospital.

Fitz-Henley, who said that he was authorised by Minister Grange to speak on her behalf, said:

“She has been actively engaged in monitoring developments, including what’s happening at the Olympic Games, which are currently underway in Paris and is very pleased that Rasheed Broadbell was able to medal for Jamaica today in the 110m Hurdles.

“The minister also specifically asked me to indicate that she is appreciative of the efforts of Hansle Parchment and Orlando Bennett who competed today and, indeed, she is deeply appreciative of the efforts of the entire Jamaican contingent in Paris.”

In addition, he said Grange has asked him to indicate that she is grateful for the good wishes and expects to be well soon.

Just more than 10 year ago in July 2014, Grange was admitted to the University Hospital of the West Indies after falling ill. It was reported then that Grange went to see her private doctor, who recommended that she be admitted and treated at hospital.

Also, in March 2018, she was admitted to the Tony Thwaites wing — the private arm of the University Hospital of the West Indies. A media report in 2018 said “her breathing is a little off but otherwise she is fine”.