CASTRIES, St. Lucia (CMC):

Prime Minister Sir John Compton is unlikely to return to head the St. Lucia government in the near future, a senior government minister acknowledged on Wednesday night.

Social Transformation Minister, Lenard Montoute, sent to the United States to obtain first-hand information of Sir John, who has been hospitalised after suffering "a series of minor strokes" said it is unlikely that the 82-year-old Prime Minister would "resume his position in government" soon.

Montoute, the deputy political leader of the ruling United Workers Party (UWP), said that Sir John is incapacitated in hospital and while he was lucid, his speech had become slurred and he was unable to stand or walk without assistance.

Returning home

"While Sir John is anxiously looking forward to returning home, being able to do so will no doubt depend on his medical assessment, and any progress he hopefully will make in the days ahead," Montoute told reporters.

"So that it is very unlikely that Sir John will be able to resume his position in Government. However, I remain hopeful and I ask that all St. Lucians continue to be optimistic and continue to offer prayers for the full recovery of the Prime Minister.

"We can only hope that he makes a full recovery and that he returns to St. Lucia where he can be comfortable and continue to enjoy the rest of his life," he said.

The ruling party has already indicated that it was in the process of seeking a successor to Sir John, who had returned to active politics last year to lead the UWP back into government after a 10-year absence.

Montoute, like Acting Prime Minister Stephenson King, said he was willing to lead the government should it become necessary to replace Sir John.

"I am interested. I indicated my interest from very early in my career that I have aspirations to reach the top when I accepted the nomination to be deputy political leader of the party.

"I have served in that capacity from 2002 until now. I had the good fortune of serving the last two years under the tutorship of Sir John Compton, being his deputy and if I am offered the opportunity to serve as Prime Minister I would welcome it with both hands," Montoute said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Rufus Bousquet is also reported to be seeking the top post.

King, the most senior Cabinet minister, told reporters Wednesday that he regarded his decision to seek the leadership of the government as being tantamount to fighting a battle for the people of St. Lucia.

"If the people determine that they want me to serve at the helm I will do so, if they desire me in the middle or at the bottom I will serve there. My commitment is really to serve and I believe I am competent to serve in any of those positions," King noted.

The Acting Prime Minister said that in the selection a leader, the ruling party and the Cabinet would follow only the rules of the island's Constitution.