Dear Editor,
I was saddened when awoken by the news that Prime Minister David Thompson of Barbados had died. It had been recently disclosed that he was ailing from pancreatic cancer. Even with that knowledge, however, I describe his passing as untimely in light of the great hope and potential he represented as the Prime Minister of one of the Caribbean Community’s most integral members. All of us had hoped that his health would have improved.
In the end it confirms the mortality of the human being. We here in Jamaica mourn with the people of Barbados the loss of their Prime Minister, a true son of the Caribbean who during his life had been an inspiration to so many people. We particularly express our condolences to Prime Minister Thompson’s wife and family, his party and parliamentary colleagues in Barbados as well as those of his peers and contemporaries beyond Barbados.
We mourn with and wish the Government of Barbados the very best at this time as we anticipate that the now necessary and imminent transitions will proceed smoothly so that Barbados can continue to make its notable contributions to this region and the world at large.
May his soul rest in peace and light perpetually shine upon him; and may the Almighty clothe his wife, the bereaved family and the people of Barbados with His unending love and the strength they will need during this time of deepest grief.
Yours faithfully,
Portia Simpson Miller ON MP
Former Prime Minister and Leader of
the Opposition in Jamaica
