Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Development Clifton de Coteau, who collapsed two days ago after a mild stroke, remains warded at a private nursing home in stable condition.De Coteau has been warded at the Surgi-Med Clinic on Penitence Street, San Fernando, since Wednesday after suffering a cerebellar bleed. A sign posted on the door of the private hospital suite yesterday read "No reporters allowed."
A source at the clinic said de Coteau experienced bouts of dizziness after an artery leading to the brain became blocked."He is showing fast improvement, but he will be kept here for a while to rest," the source said.Asked whether the stroke had affected de Coteau's mobility or speech, the source responded: "He will recuperate once he gets physiotherapy. His condition has improved and he is out of danger."
Head of Surgi-Med Dr Anirudh Mahabir yesterday said De Coteau's health status could not be divulged and patients' medical records must be kept confidential.Medical director of the San Fernando General Hospital, Dr Anand Chatoorgoon, said de Coteau was taken to the hospital to have Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) done, but was not a patient of the SFGH.
The T&T Guardian understands that the MRI machine at Surgi-Med was not working so de Coteau had to be taken to the SFGH. De Coteau represents the constituency of Moruga/Tableland.In a text message yesterday, Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan also confirmed that de Coteau had been hospitalised and said he should be ready to return to work in two or three weeks."His balance is affected and all other systems are normal. He has a cerebellar bleed," Khan said.
He said de Coteau was an excellent representative who has been instrumental in lifting the people of T&T.Leader of government business, Dr Roodal Moonilal, said yesterday he had been in touch with de Coteau."He is in good spirits. We wish him a speedy recovery and I hope he is back on his feet very soon and with us in the trenches," Moonilal said.
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De Coteau spent most of his career in the education sector before entry into politics in 2003.He attended secondary school at St Stephen's College in Princes Town and continued to Mausica Teachers' Training College, before rejoining his alma mater on the teaching staff. He also served at Barrackpore Senior Comprehensive School. He then became vice-principal of Princes Town Senior Comprehensive and later a school supervisor.
He was the local government representative for the electoral district of Inverness/Princes Town until 2010, when he was appointed Junior Minister of Education. He later became Minister of National Diversity and Social Integration.