GREAT BAY--Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten has disclosed that her husband, former Member of Parliament Theo Heyliger, has been hospitalized with diverticulitis and a perforation involving his colon, while also undergoing investigation for a separate bladder and prostate issue, stressing that the family is not asking for preferential treatment but for medically appropriate care.
Heyliger-Marten said she decided to address the matter publicly after hearing comments from a small group of people suggesting that her husband’s hospitalization was somehow an attempt to secure an early release from prison.
“Let me be very clear: that is not what is happening,” she said.
According to the Minister, Heyliger has been diagnosed with diverticulitis and the family has been informed that there is a perforation involving his colon. He has been receiving intravenous antibiotics and remains under medical care.
“At the same time, the urologist is investigating a separate urological issue involving his bladder and prostate. A cystoscopy is planned to examine that further,” Heyliger-Marten said.
She said the family does not yet have all of the answers and will not speculate while the medical examinations are continuing.
“We need to allow the doctors to complete their examinations and tell us exactly what they are dealing with,” she said.
Heyliger-Marten also made clear that her husband is not seeking any special arrangement to reduce the remainder of his sentence. She said his release date is January 27, 2027.
“Theo himself has made his position very clear. He is not asking anyone for special treatment, and he is not asking anyone for favors to secure an early release,” she said.
She added that his medical condition should not be turned into a political debate over whether he is attempting to avoid serving the remainder of his sentence.
“He is sick. He is in the hospital. Let the doctors do their work,” Heyliger-Marten said.
Speaking from her position as his wife, the Minister said her concern is that her husband receives a full medical evaluation before returning to the prison environment.
“I am his wife. Of course I am concerned. Before my husband returns to a prison environment, I want him thoroughly examined. I want to know that the inflammation and the issue with his colon have been properly addressed,” she said.
She said she also wants the medical investigation involving his bladder and prostate completed and wants doctors to determine whether there could be another underlying medical issue.
“If that means seeking a second medical opinion or, if medically appropriate, taking him to Colombia for further evaluation, then as his wife I will explore that option,” Heyliger-Marten said.
She stressed that seeking further medical assessment should not be interpreted as an attempt to avoid the sentence.
“That is not about avoiding his sentence. It is about making sure that when he returns, we understand his medical condition and know what care he requires,” she said.
Heyliger-Marten also directed a message to the Ministry of Justice and prison authorities, noting that Heyliger remains in their legal custody and that his health and safety remain their responsibility should he be returned to prison for the remaining months of his sentence.
“We now know that he has a medical condition that requires attention. His diet matters. His hydration matters. His medication matters. His ability to use a bathroom when he needs to matters,” she said.
She added that timely access to medical treatment will also be critical if he again develops abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, significant constipation or other concerning symptoms.
“I am not asking for preferential treatment. I am asking for medically appropriate treatment. There is a difference,” Heyliger-Marten said.
The Minister also appealed for the matter to be viewed first as a medical and human issue, regardless of political opinions surrounding her husband, his case or her own public role.
“Whatever anyone may think about Theo, whatever they may think about his case, and whatever political feelings they may have about me, none of that changes the fact that he is a human being and a patient who is presently under medical care,” she said.
“He is also a son, husband and a father.”
Heyliger-Marten said her focus is on ensuring that her husband is properly diagnosed, properly treated and medically stable, after which the relevant authorities can determine what happens next.
“For me, this is not political. I want my husband properly diagnosed, properly treated and medically stable. Once the doctors have completed their work and we understand exactly what he is dealing with, then the appropriate authorities can determine the next steps,” she said.
“Until then, I think everyone should allow the medical professionals to do their jobs and allow Theo the opportunity to recover.”
