Anguilla’s Chief Minister is to have a kidney transplant next Wednesday, July 19, in the United States following many tests and treatments over the past year. This was announced in a Government press release from his office dated July 11, 2006.

The text of the release reads as follows:

Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming

“Fellow Anguillians, as you recalled in June of last year, I reported to you that I had developed a condition which was the malfunction of my kidneys. I also told you that because of my condition I had to be on dialysis. This procedure warranted my being on dialysis three times per week for at least three and a half hours each time.

“Dialysis cannot cure the condition. The only cure is a kidney transplant. I would also like to stress that over the past year when I was on dialysis, I continued to function as Chief Minister of Anguilla on a daily basis.

“Recognising that dialysis would not be a cure, I proceeded to secure a transplant which I knew would alleviate the problem. I am pleased to report that I have identified someone who has willingly donated a kidney to me. Having completed all of the necessary requirements, and to ensure that the donor was compatible to me, I have undergone numerous tests over the past year. The final results are in and everything is positive.

“To that end the doctors have approved July 19 as the date for the operation. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the people of Anguilla and elsewhere who have supported me during this ordeal and to ask them for their continued support and prayer during the period of my recovery. I will keep you updated as to my status and my progress.

“Thank you and God bless you all and God bless Anguilla.”

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