Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, has been hospitalised and placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) as a precautionary measure, according to Government Senator Abka Fitz-Henley. The specifics of her illness have not been disclosed, but Fitz-Henley has assured the public that the minister is expected to be released from the ICU imminently.
Despite her hospitalisation, Minister Grange has remained engaged with current events, including closely following the Olympic Games in Paris. Fitz-Henley noted that Grange was particularly pleased with Rasheed Broadbell’s recent success, as he secured a medal for Jamaica in the 110m hurdles. She also extended her appreciation to Hansle Parchment and Orlando Bennett, who competed alongside Broadbell.
Grange’s illness caused her to miss the Independence Grand Gala on Tuesday. This comes at a time when she has been at the center of a political controversy, criticising Opposition Leader Mark Golding for what she deemed an inappropriate attempt to politicise the recent decision to honour dancehall icons Bounty Killer and Beenie Man with national awards.