CASTRIES, St. Lucia (CMC):

A government official yesterday reported that medical authorities at the La Menard Hospital in Martinique say there has been no improvement in the condition of Prime Minister Sir John Compton who remains under intensive care at the institution.

In an update on Sir John's condition, acting Prime Minister Stephenson King said rumours in circulation throughout Sunday of the 82-year-old's passing were untrue, as he had received an official report late Sunday from the ailing leader's doctors indicating that he was stable, but remains under observation at the intensive care unit.

"I have been in touch with his wife Lady Janice Compton up to late last night and at that time he was still alive and being monitored. He is highly sedated because his medication has been changed based on the observation of the team of French doctors assigned to him," King said in a statement yesterday.

He said he had been promised a full report from Sir John's wife and doctors and once that is received he will inform the nation.

Doctors treating Sir John at the Tapion Hospital on the outskirts of the city last week agreed to have him flown out to Martinique Saturday for further medical treatment after his condition deteriorated.

Difficulty breathing

King, in a statement Saturday, disclosed that Sir John has been experiencing difficulty as a result of mucus in his lungs.

He said that while Sir John had been a patient at the Tapion Hospital here, the results of a brain scan taken one month ago were received from his doctor in New York.

"This analysis revealed that he had suffered another stroke which had set back what had been an excellent recovery.

"After initially responding well to treatment for this complaint, his condition has not improved to the satisfaction of his doctors, and after consultation with his family, the decision was taken to move him to Martinique, where he will be able to receive more comprehensive medical care,"King said.

Flown to Martinique

The Prime Minister was flown to Martinique by air ambulance accompanied by his wife, Lady Janice Compton. They were to be joined by their children yesterday.

King, who along with Sir John's relatives and Economic and Planning Minister Ausbert D' Auvergne, were at the airport to witness his departure, said the Prime Minister on arrival was received by the Prefect of Martinique and other French dignitaries.

King said that Sir John's current medical situation is complicated by his age and the fact that he has been receiving treatment for a series of conditions including a long-standing heart condition and diabetes.

He said the Prime Minister is being afforded the best medical care and every decision about his treatment is taken with the objective of ensuring his full recovery.

King called on the population to continue offering prayers for Sir John's recovery as well as to provide strength for his family.

In April, Sir John was hospitalised in the United States for six weeks after suffering a series of minor strokes.

Sir John, who led the United Workers Party (UWP) back into office after a 10-year absence, is expected to make his exit from active politics by the end of the year.