Biggie Irie, Richard Stoute hospitalised

Two of this country’s top entertainers, Geoffrey Biggie Irie Cordle and Richard Stoute, have been hospitalised.

Barbados TODAY has confirmed that Cordle, a leading reggae and sweet soca artiste, was diagnosed with bleeding on his brain and has been admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).

Seventy-seven-year-old Stoute, known as the godfather of entertainment and the founder of the popular annual Teen Talent Competition, is also at the QEH with an undisclosed medical condition.

In what is known as the Beach Cabinet Chat on WhatsApp, Cordle shared the news of his hospitalisation: “Hey guys. I’m in QEH, but I’m being looked after. Had a CAT scan and it showed bleeding on the brain, so I’ll be admitted.”

Since then, well wishes have been pouring in from various local artistes and friends via the same chat.

Local music icon and Cultural Ambassador The Most Honourable Anthony Gabby Carter wished Cordle and Stoute, whom he described as his friends, a full recovery from their illnesses.

“They are gems of Barbados and indeed the Caribbean, and I wish them both a speedy and full recovery,” he said in an interview with Barbados TODAY.

President of the Barbados Association of Creatives and Artists (BACA) Colin Spencer also offered prayers and best wishes from his organisation to the two beloved entertainers.

“The elected officials and members of the Barbados Association of Creatives and Artists join with all fellow creatives and indeed the entertainment-loving public of Barbados in offering our prayers for the full recovery of Richard Stoute and Biggie Irie from their current illness. We pray that the good Lord will guide them, watch over them the strength to pull through,” he told Barbados TODAY.

The island’s undisputed Tune of the Crop (Road March) King, The Mighty Grynner, said he hoped Stoute pulls through quickly.

“I wish he is restored to good health quickly,” the veteran calypsonian said.

In an updated post on Tuesday afternoon on his Facebook page, Cordle posted a smiling photograph of himself, declaring: ”I feeling a lot better. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes.”
(EJ)