Dr. Chang Undergoes Surgery after Accident

KINGSTON — Minister of Housing, Environment and Water, Hon Dr. Horace Chang, underwent surgery last night at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Mona, where was admitted with a broken shoulder following a motor vehicle accident in St. Catherine, Wednesday (September 28).

Doctors performed x-rays Wednesday to determine the extent of his injuries, and decided last night that he would need to undergo surgery. But, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon Olivia Grange, who confirmed the report of his surgery, told JIS News that his injuries were not life threatening.

The accident, which also involved his wife, Paulette, and his driver, Herbert Gayle, occurred on the Dyke Road in St. Catherine, while the Changs were on their way to the funeral for Enid Golding, mother of Prime Minister, the Hon Bruce Golding. Mrs. Chang and Mr. Gayle were treated and released from hospital.

Eyewitness reported that Dr. Chang’s vehicle was travelling north on the Dyke Road, when it hit a Suzuki motorcar travelling from Passage Fort Drive, which was turned onto the road, before overturning and landing in a gully. The driver of the Suzuki was admitted to the Spanish Town Hospital.

Miss Grange said that both Dr. Chang's cabinet and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) colleagues were keeping an eye on the developments, and hoping for a speedy recovery.

"We suspect that the injury may force him out of circulation for a short while, and we regret what has happened, but we are glad that his injuries were not life threatening and he will soon be able to resume duties. It could have been a lot worse," Miss Grange said.

Dr. Chang has been Minister of Water and Housing since the current administration took office in 2007. He also represents the constituency of North West St. James in the House of Representatives.

By Balford Henry, JIS Reporter & Editor