KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s Prime Minister and current Chairman of CARICOM, the Hon Bruce Golding, has expressed deep sadness at the passing of Prime Minister David Thompson of Barbados early Saturday morning.
Prime Minister Thompson passed away at 2.10 a.m. (October 23) at his home in St Philip, Barbados, after battling pancreatic cancer. He was 48 years old.
Mr. Golding, in expressing condolences, said the Caribbean has lost one of its youngest and most vibrant leaders who remained strong, determined and focused to the very end. Mr Golding also noted that, in less than three years, Prime Minister Thompson had demonstrated strong leadership qualities within the counsels of CARICOM and was firmly committed to regional goals.
Hon. PM David Thompson
“He fought a brave fight to the very end, demonstrating unconditional love for his country, and a commitment to the people of Barbados. His will be a great loss to the region,” he stated.
Mr. Golding has also sent condolences to Mr. Thompson’s wife, Mara, and his three children, as well as the Government and people of Barbados on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica.
Mr. Thompson became the sixth Prime Minister of Barbados after he led his Democratic Labour Party (DLP) to victory in 2008. He is the country’s third Head of Government to die in office, following Prime Ministers Tom Adams in 1985 and Errol Barrow two years later. Members of the ruling DLP have elected Deputy Prime Minister Fruendel Stuart as his successor.
