Tourism Minister David Allen was airlifted to the United States on Friday for medical treatment after undergoing tests in King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

The nature of his illness has not been disclosed, but Acting Tourism Minister Alex Scott last night dismissed a report on VSB that Mr. Allen had undergone a five-hour operation for kidney failure.

He said Mr. Allen was advised by doctors to get further tests in the United States after he underwent treatment at KEMH.

He added that he spoke to Mr. Allen on Saturday evening and he had improved and was in better spirits than when he left Bermuda on Friday.

Mr. Allen should be back in Bermuda “shortly” although he could not say when. And Premier Jennifer Smith, who is due back on the Island this week, will decide who will take up his post in the meantime.

Mr. Allen was taken out on an air ambulance on Friday to the Lahey Clinic in Massachusetts, which is regarded as one of the top hospitals in the US.

Mr. Scott told The Royal Gazette last night: “He wasn't feeling up to speed recently and quite rightly decided to consult doctors and that led to tests being done at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

“Subsequent to that, it was felt that he could be better served if he continued tests and medical procedures in the US so he left on Friday for Boston.

“I've spoken to him as recently as yesterday evening, and he's certainly in better spirits. The procedures and tests seem to be right on the money and he's feeling better just a day after reaching the US.”

When asked what was wrong with Mr. Allen, Mr. Scott replied: “I don't really know, and that's the nature of the tests, to confirm the position his doctors are taking.

“I would not want to get caught up in a personal conversation (with Mr. Allen). I just know that he wasn't feeling his natural self and he decided to take the doctors' advice to have tests.

“My sense is we should see him back shortly. Certainly he has had a rapid response, a favourable response.

“I'm the acting Tourism Minister. But in the absence of the Premier, she may confirm me, or choose to review it and put it to another minister.”

Minister Without Portfolio Sen. David Burch has stood in for Mr. Allen on a number of occasions when the minister has been off the Island.