“I am Extremely Well”: Castries South East MP Denies Heart Attack Rumours

Minister for Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment, Joachim Henry, appeared at Monday’s pre-Cabinet press conference to dispel rumours that he had suffered a massive heart attack and to urge the public to refrain from spreading misinformation.

The rumours about his health had circulated on social media over the weekend, but Henry firmly denied the claims during the briefing.

Setting the record straight, the Castries South East MP stated: “My brief is simply to debunk and to inform the general public, unlike what was being circulated on social media on Saturday, I think while I was at church, saying that I had a massive heart attack, that this is not true, that wasn’t true.”

“I am extremely well, I’m fine, I am able, I’m fit, I’m able to do what I’m doing… and I’m hoping to maintain my health and to do what I’m supposed to do.”

Henry also called on the public to stop spreading such falsehoods via social media, noting the potential distress caused to others. 

“It could make other persons feel uncomfortable – like my family who were not with me at the time,” he said.

The minister also addressed another rumour circulating over the weekend—that he would be replaced by Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) PRO Lisa Jawahir as the candidate for the next general elections.

Speaking on the matter, Henry said: “The party would have invoked the necessary processes and that is happening in all constituencies. I’ve indicated my interest to continue to be the candidate… and the process of the party is on in all constituencies…. You would hear a lot more in time but yes, I’ve indicated my interest to continue and I will try again, subject to the approval of the process and letting the process go through.”

Henry revealed that three individuals had expressed interest in contesting the Castries South East seat on an SLP ticket.

He won the Castries South East seat in the 2021 general elections, defeating the United Workers Party’s Guy Joseph. He was later sworn in as Minister for Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment.

In March 2023, Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre confirmed that Henry had been hospitalised after suffering a heart attack. Following a period of recovery, he returned to his ministerial duties a few months later.