Barbados PM back at work after sick leave

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Prime Minister David Thompson has returned to the island and is back at the head of government after he was forced to proceed on two months leave in July because of health reasons.



A brief statement from Illaro Court, the official residence of the Prime Minister, said that he and his family returned to Barbados on Sunday two days shy of the end of his official leave.



The statement quoted him as saying that he was feeling fine and eager to get back to work.



“I certainly cannot say my health challenges are over, but it is nice to be home. Mara, the children and I wish first to thank the people of Barbados for their unceasing prayers and expressions of love, support and well wishes. I am here through the grace of Almighty God.



"I propose to spend the next few days in briefing sessions with Members of the Cabinet, senior public officers and close advisors. I suspect that before long, I will have reason to speak to the nation on a range of pertinent issues.”



Thompson, 48, who led the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) to power just over two years ago, praised Freundel Stuart for acting in his absence and also Adriel Brathwaite, who served as Attorney General.



“"Effective today, August 30th, Mr. Stuart shall be re-appointed Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs,” Thompson said.



In the past, Thompson has told reporters that he was not yet in a position to reveal a firm diagnosis of his illness.



However, in recent months his state of health has been a matter of national concern with the prime minister appearing to have shed significant weight and based on his admission back in May that he had been experiencing significant stomach pains since March.



Thompson had also called on the country to pray for him and his family as they “go through one of the most testing periods”.