Kamla injured in fall in Parliament

Kamla Persad-Bissessar fell and injured her shoulder Friday afternoon in the tea room of the House of Representatives.

A source in Port of Spain told JYOTI the leader of the United National Congress (UNC) suffered a dislodged shoulder.

A UNC source confirmed that she was hurt in a fall and is now resting comfortably at the St Clair Private Hospital.

The source said Persad-Bissessar tripped on the carpet in the building, lost her balance and fell. Her Parliamentary colleagues rushed to her assistance and got her to hospital.

Chief Whip Jack Warner remained in Parliament to attend to the business of the House. JYOTI's source said Persad-Bissessar thanked her colleagues for their concern and once she was comfortable, asked them to return to Parliament and continue their work.

Caroni East MP Dr Tim Gopeesingh, who was one of the first MPs to attend to Persad-Bissessar, told reporters she underwent a CT scan and had X-rays taken. He said orthopadeic specialist Dr David Toby attended to her.

Gopeesingh said the Siparia MP suffered a small fracture and would not need surgery. However he said she would need treatment over the next couple of days, especially for relief from the pain.

He said the UNC leader was in good spirts when she suggested to them that they should return to Parliament and get back to business.

Persad-Bissessar might be released from hospital Saturday but would have to wear a sling until her shoulder heals.

She is expected to attend Saturday's UNC "Thank you" party at the Rienzi complex which is free to everyone. The event will feature entertainment by some of the country's leading artistes including Ravi B and Rikki Jai.