Barbados prime minister dies

The prime minister of Barbados, David Thompson, has died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 48.

His wife Mara and three children were at his bedside when he passed away at his home in St Phillip.

The prime minister of Barbados, David Thompson, has died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 48.

His wife Mara and three children were at his bedside when he passed away at his home in St Phillip.

He had been ill since March and had travelled several times to New York for treatment.

In a statement issued on his passing, the Caribbean Tourism Organization said:

“The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is deeply saddened by the passing of The Right Hon. David Thompson, Prime Minister of Barbados. Our prayers are with his wife Mara, his daughters Misha, Oya and Osa-Marie, his parents, family, relatives and friends.

We also share the grief of his constituents whom he served from 1987 until his passing on October 23rd and the entire nation of Barbados which he led as Prime Minister since 2008.

Despite the prior knowledge of his illness, the passing of Prime Minister Thompson at the early age of 48 must come as a shock to the People of Barbados, whose prayers and outpouring of support have been unceasing.

Prime Minister Thompson was steadfast in his commitment to the CTO. His support was evident in Barbadosโ€™ kind hosting of major CTO events during his tenure โ€“ the 11th Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism and the first ever Leadership Strategy Conference โ€“ and his dedication to the cause of the Caribbeanโ€™s economic prosperity through tourism.

Prime Minister Thompson was personally involved in advocating the issues of regional tourism at the highest levels overseas as well as throughout the Caribbean. We will forever cherish his guidance and leadership.

The Chairman of the CTO Council of Ministers The Hon. Ricky Skerritt, with whom Prime Minister Thomson had a personal friendship, the Ministers, Directors, management, staff and the entire CTO family extend our sincere condolences to all who mourn the loss of Prime Minister David Thompson. May he rest in peace.”

The government of Saint Lucia expresses profound grief and sadness in a statement that reads:

“The Government and People of Saint Lucia share with our sister island nation of Barbados profound grief and sadness at the untimely death of Prime Minister David John Howard Thompson. The news of Prime Minister Thompson’s passing was received with a deep sense of loss by all Saint Lucians. Our two nations have shared close and historic ties, which was symbolized and embodied by Prime Minister Thompson both through his long standing friendship with Prime Minister Stephenson King and his marital bond with his wife Mara who is a native of Saint Lucia.

Prime Ministers Thompson and King both emerged through the regional youth movement to become leaders of their respective nations within six months of each other on September 7th, 2007 and January 16th, 2008 respectively.

As members of the Caribbean Community we in Saint Lucia extend our prayers and sympathy as Barbados and the Caribbean mourn the loss of an outstanding son of the nation and the region.

Prime Minister King who spoke earlier with the widow of Prime Minister Thompson, Marie-Josephine Mara, informed her that the hearts of the Saint Lucian people extend towards the Thompson family and the people of Barbados during this very difficult period. The thoughts and prayers of all Saint Lucians will remain with Barbadians during this moment of grief.

Prime Minister King in commenting on Mr. Thompson’s passing noted: “I have worked with Prime Minister Thompson over the past few years, and have always been impressed with his commitment to improving the quality of living of all Barbadians and the people of the Caribbean. It is the kind of commitment that all leaders should try to emulate.

“He was a true renaissance man, and we will forever be inspired by his oratorical skills, his solution-oriented, professional approach to leadership, his thoughtfulness, but moreover, his humanity.

“We in Saint Lucia will honour the legacy of Prime Minister Thompson who in just 48 years with us on earth fought the good fight of faith.

“Well done thou good and faithful servant. Well done.

“May God continue to Bless and guide the Government and People of Barbados through this period of mourning.”

The Cabinet of Ministers will meet shortly to decide on an appropriate tribute to the late Prime Minister of Barbados, David John Howard Thompson. Prime Minister Thompson was considered a true friend of Saint Lucia. He will surely be missed.

May his soul rest in peace.”

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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