Tributes flow for David Thompson

Tributes continue to flow in for late prime minister of Barbados David Thompson, who died in the wee hours of Saturday morning following a period of illness.

Thompson, who took office in January 2008 following a general election victory by the Democratic Labour Party, died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 48.

In a release yesterday, members of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), expressed sadness by the passing of a keen supporter of the council.

"The chairman, registrar and staff of the Caribbean Examinations Council are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Honourable David Thompson," CXC stated.

"Honourable Thompson was a keen supporter of the council and played an important role in securing lands for the soon-to-be-built CXC headquarters in Pine Plantation, St Michael."

The CXC also noted that the council expresses its sincerest condolences to the family of Thompson, the government and the people of Barbados, which is the host country of CXC's headquarters.

Great loss

Meanwhile, the Caribbean News Agency (CANA) also said it wished to express condolences to the late prime minister's wife, Mara Thompson, their three children, his mother and father as well as the government and people of Barbados.

"As a Barbados-based regional media organisation, we have had occasion to interact with Mr Thompson," the news agency said. "He showed an interest in the media and was always willing to lend a helping hand."

CANA added: "His untimely demise has created a great loss, not only for Barbados but also for the entire region."