Mickela Panday says her father, former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, travelled to the US earlier this week for health reasons.

In an update from the family on Facebook, Mickela says there was consultation with his doctors in Trinidad and Tobago following which he visited the US to investigate medical concerns.

She adds that the family is grateful for people’s well wishes and notes that Mr Panday looks forward to a bright and prosperous 2024.

Mr Panday entered politics in 1966 when he became a member of the Workers and Farmers’ Party and, under the UNC, served as Prime Minister from 1995 to 2001.