CAY HILL--A tumour was found in the kidney of suspended Member of Parliament Theo Heyliger. Further tests are now needed to determine whether the growth is cancerous.
Heyliger is still under arrest and is receiving treatment at St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC). He has been in the hospital for more than a week now, recovering from a surgery.
Heyliger was transported there from the Pointe Blanche prison on May 9. He was arrested at his home on February 19 on charges of corruption and money-laundering. He was first held under deplorable conditions in the Philipsburg police station holding cells until he was transferred to the modern and more humane facilities in Bonaire. A court fight ensued about his return home and that resulted in his detention in Pointe Blanche.
The judge extended Heyliger’s detention by another 30 days on May 10 on the request of the Prosecutor’s Office. Heyliger’s legal team will be before the judge again today, Tuesday, to appeal the extension of detention.
Unlike the restricted visiting times at the Pointe Blanche prison, visitation at SMMC falls under the regular visitation schedule for patients. Heyliger is under the watch of prison guards and all visitors must present a valid form of identification before accessing his room.
