Minister of National Security Stuart Young has been taken to the San Fernando General Hospital by medical personnel after he fell off the stage during a function in Penal a short while ago. Young had just delivered the feature address at the opening of the Penal Fire Station when he stepped off the stage and fell far on his back. It appeared that the step leading to the stage tipped throwing the Minister off balance.
Grimacing as he clutched his shoulder, the Minister was led into a nearby ambulance by medical personnel.
National Security Minister Stuart Young is led away to an ambulance after falling as he left the stage at the opening of the Penal Fire Station Tuesday morning.
Rishi Ragoonath
UDECOTT officials and the police attempted to block the media from taking photos of the injured minister.
Minutes after the fall, another guest at the function Omar Maharaj also fell, when his chair broke. Maharaj said he was concerned about the incidents.
" I stood up to see what was happening and when I sat back down, I also fell, " Maharaj said.
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad- Bissessar said UDECOTT was in charge of setting up the stage and tent for the function.
" I don't know what happened but I am very concerned about him. It was not set up if that is what you were thinking, " Persad- Bissessar said.
Minister of National Security Stuart Young after falling off the stage at the opening of the Penal Fire Station Tuesday morning.
She noted that Young had been very kind in his remarks, noting that an investigation should be done.
An official of UDECOTT said they will investigate why the step tilted noting that it will issue a statement later on.