The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has extended its best wishes to Sir Clarence Leonard Emmanuel Edwards following his decision to withdraw from all Carnival performances this year on medical advice.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant, speaking during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, said Cabinet received an update on the condition of the veteran Burning Flames frontman after he announced that his physicians had advised him to refrain from performing.
Merchant said Sir Clarence’s decision means scheduled performances by Red Hot and Burning Flames have been cancelled because of his central role in both groups.
Cabinet expressed concern for the calypsonian’s health and wished him a full and speedy recovery.
Merchant said Sir Clarence has made an extraordinary contribution to the cultural life of Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean through his exceptional talent, dedication and enduring musical legacy.
“The government and people of Antigua and Barbuda are looking forward to seeing Sir Clarence return to good health and back on stage when he has fully recovered,” Merchant said.
He added that Cabinet urged the veteran entertainer to follow the advice of his medical team, noting his long-standing passion for performing despite his current health challenges.
Merchant observed that this marks one of the first Carnival seasons in decades in which Sir Clarence will not be a major presence, describing his absence as significant for Antigua’s premier cultural festival.
In a public statement issued earlier this week, Sir Clarence said he made the “difficult decision” to cancel upcoming performances after suffering a recent medical emergency that required immediate hospitalization and treatment.
He said, following a comprehensive medical evaluation, physicians advised him to refrain from all performance-related activities for four to six weeks to protect his health and ensure a safe return to the stage.
Sir Clarence apologized to fans, promoters and event organizers for the cancellations and thanked the public for its support, saying his immediate focus is on recovery and that he looks forward to returning to the stage as soon as it is medically possible.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Cabinet wishes Sir Clarence Edwards speedy recovery after Carnival withdrawal.