Retired PNP MP Danny Buchanan gravely ill

Former Cabinet Minister and retired Member of Parliament for South West St. Elizabeth Donald 'Danny Buck' Buchanan, is gravely ill.

Mr. Buchanan remains hospitalised on Thursday afternoon at the University Hospital of the West Indies.

The outspoken 68-year-old politician has been trying to put on a brave face since he was diagnosed with colon cancer last year June.

Mr. Buchanan's son, Hugo who's hoping to follow in his father's footstep as the elected representative for South West St. Elizabeth, painted a grim picture of the retired politician.

The elder Buchanan had been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation and later went to Florida for further tests.

He returned on December 20 and underwent an operation two days later.

Hugo says his father exhibited positive signs after his surgery.                

“When he the operation on the 22^nd, the first two days he took his time and was getting around, on the third day he started to walk with help, he looked hopeful and his face was more cheerful. There was an infection so there was some liquid from the infection building up inside the stomach,” he said.  

Doctors had recommended that the liquid be drained from Mr. Buchanan's stomach however that treatment was not helping much.

Mr. Buchanan has been housed at the University hospital since Monday and remains in intensive care.

He says the last time he saw his father, he was able to recognize relatives and friends, but only acknowledged their presence via eye and head motions.

The Buchanan family has issued an urgent appeal for blood.

“At this time we are asking persons to donate blood for Donald Buchanan, at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Intensive Care Unit D, it doesn’t matter what blood type it is because he doesn’t have a rare blood type. He has a chance, his chief surgeon says we mustn’t give up hope but he needs all the help he can get at this time,” the younger Buchanan said.

Donald Buchanan who joined the People's National Party in 1958 has served in various capacities in the Patterson and Simpson-Miller administrations.