KINGSTON, Jamaica — Government spokesman Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, parliamentary secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, has confirmed that Minister Olivia  Grange has been released from the intensive care unit (ICU).

Grange, 78, the minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sports, was admitted to hospital for breathing issues last week and was subsequently transferred to the ICU, which provides specialised treatment and monitoring for people who are seriously ill.

“Yes, I can confirm that Minister Grange has been released from the Intensive Care Unit where she was admitted as a precautionary measure. The minister is recuperating well and continues to get better. We are hopeful that she will be fully discharged from hospital soon,” said Fitz-Henley.

The senator was speaking after the conclusion of a ceremony at Heroes Park where he represented Senate President Tom Tavares Finson at a floral tribute to Jamaica’s first National Hero, Marcus Garvey on the occasion of Garvey’s birthday.

Fitz-Henley, while reiterating the minister’s gratitude for the “outpouring of love, prayer and good wishes which have been sent her way from Jamaicans and indeed folks all across the world,” says Grange has been “monitoring developments closely in her ministry to ensure that it continues to execute its policy mandate.”