34th Legislature express well wishes, prayers and a speedy return for one of its own members

US VIRGIN ISLANDS – Members of the 34th Legislature express their public concern, well-wishes and prayers for one of their own colleagues. Four-term senator and chairman of the Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture in the 34th Legislature, Kenneth Gittens is back home after his release from the hospital over the weekend of November 7, 2021.

Gittens released a statement Monday, November 8, 2021, saying he was released from the Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix over the weekend. Not clear whether re was released on Saturday, November 6, 2021, or Sunday, November 7, 2021, according to the statement. The senator will remain and continue recovery and treatment as an outpatient after being diagnosed with blood clots in his legs and lungs. Not feeling well on Saturday, October 30, 2021, the senator sought medical attention after several days prior of pain and discomfort.

His diagnosis led him to a weeklong stay at hospital facilities where he remained in stable condition. Many members of the Legislature publicly acknowledged Gittens to include members across the aisle. Senator Alma Francis-Heyliger wished Gittens prayers and a speedy recovery on Monday, November 8, 2021, during her regularly scheduled address to the territory every Monday on AM Radio 1000. Other senators also offered words of encouragement to their colleague and in some cases friend.

Senator Gittens expressed his gratitude, “I am very grateful for all the well wishes from the community and to the staff here at JFL for their continued efforts,” Gittens said. “I can never say thank you enough for all the concern and love shown to me this past week. I look forward to a full recovery and resuming my duties as soon as I can.”