Barbadian Prime Minister flown back to New York for medical treatment

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Prime Minister David Thompson has confirmed that he is in United States for a “medical procedure” but shied away from questions as to whether or not he is healthy enough to led a government in Barbados.



Speaking in a telephone link-up with local radio and television reporters, Thompson, 48, said that his personal medical physician, Dr. Richard Ishmael, will inform Barbadians about the state of his health next week.



“I want to let Barbadians know that during the two months I was away I kept abreast of what was happening and I am most grateful and heartened by the outpouring of love and support for me and the good wishes and prayers.



“It has been a tough time unfortunately…and being away from Barbados is something for me is obviously unfortunate, but I believe that the time has to be taken,” he said.



Thompson, who had been out of office for two months, returned to Barbados on August 29, and a statement issued then from his office residence said that he was back at the head of government. The statement quoted him as saying that he was feeling fine and eager to get back to work.



But the Prime Minister said that by Saturday he had developed “a complication which required me to travel back to New York.



“I think Barbadians would remember that I did indicate that the nature of my sickness would require me to travel to see the doctors here from time to time, but I don’t expect to be here long on this occasion all things being equal. But it was necessary for me to come back.”



He told the interviewers that he had also authorised Dr. Ishmael, who has accompanied him to New York, “on his own independent position to give a medical update to Barbadians so you could have a very clear picture as to what is happening.



Thompson said that while he is not reluctant to state his medical problem he would rather allow the population to hear from the medical experts.



“I am not a medical expert, I have an idea as to what’s wrong with me but I …think it is better for him to speak first and for me to come later”.



During the brief telephone interview, Thompson, who led his Democratic Labour Party (DLP) to power just over two years ago, disagreed with suggestions that he should step down as head of the government.



“The people of Barbados elected me and I am not here to deal with that particular issue…but when I see Barbadians their first concern is for me to restore my health and that is what I have been focusing on.



“In the circumstances I believe that should I need to take any course of action that would be in the course of the country that I love I will take that course of action. At the same time one does not want to unsettle the social, political or economic environment and therefore don’t get excited about those things as yet.



“I believe this is me speaking to you, that you could work out from that that my brain is still functioning, that I am able to talk lucidly, that I am able to carry out my functions, maybe not with the same level of physical intensity as before…and I will in my circumstances do my best, but all this at the end of the day depends on the grace of God,” the Prime Minister said.



Thompson also brushed aside suggestions that he may have to re-shuffle his Cabinet, saying “ if you were in my condition…and you heard the calls of Barbadians… their first interest has been for me to get better and in those circumstances I am saying to you my interest is in the success of Barbados.



“We have a government in place, there is an acting Prime Minister, we have a full government in operation and in the circumstances those are matters that will be discussed and dealt with at another level,” he added.



“I want to thank Barbadians for their prayers, for their love, for their support,” he said.