Guyana President David Granger, diagnosed with cancer

Guyana’s President David Granger, has began the 2nd phase of treatment at a hospital in Cuba after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a disease in which malignant cancer cells form in the lymph system.

Guyana’s ambassador to Cuba said that the 73-year-old underwent a surgical procedure at the Centro de Investigaciones Medico Quirurgicas (CIMEQ) on November 1, and 5 days later was discharged and returned to his official accommodation.

“The president’s medical personnel has now begun the 2nd phase of treatment, and he is likely to be placed in CIMEQ for a short period of 2 -3 days.

“During this time, President Granger has been working and resting in accordance with the advice he has been receiving from his doctors. He is in fine form and a good frame of mind. He is expected to fully recover under the supervision of his doctors,” the statement said.

Granger, accompanied by his wife, had travelled to Havana on October 30 initially, for a medical investigation which he deemed necessary because of an unusual physical discomfort. The statement said that he was received by a Cuban medical team which commenced the first phase of medical examination, and that the disease was discovered after a series of medical tests.

“The president, wishes to express his deep gratitude to Guyanese in the homeland and in the diaspora, to the various prime ministers and presidents, to the Caribbean Community Diplomatic Caucus in Cuba, to his friends and colleagues, and all those who sent their best wishes for his full and complete recovery – and his speedy return to Guyana,” Majeed said in the statement.

He said that “above all, the president would like to publicly thank, the president of the Republic of Cuba, the Government of Cuba, and the medical staff of CIMEQ for the special care and attention which he has received while in Havana – and, indeed, for the excellent facilities in which he is being accommodated.”

The diplomat said that the Guyana Embassy in Havana “will be issuing another statement prior to the departure of the president, from Cuba.” -(CMC)