Barbados Prime Minister (PM) dies

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AP): Prime Minister David Thompson of Barbados died yesterday following a struggle with pancreatic cancer, the government announced. He was 48.

Thompson, who became prime minister of the Caribbean nation of 270,000 people in January 2008, died before dawn at his private residence in St Philip, according to a government statement.

Thompson had been ill since March and travelled to New York several times for treatment. He declined to discuss his condition until last month, when his doctor announced that Thompson had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy.

wanted to reshuffle

In an address to the nation last month, Thompson said he was reshuffling his Cabinet to pass many of his responsibilities to other ministers. He said he chose to speak by radio instead of going on camera so islanders would focus on his message, not his appearance.

Thompson's deputy, Freundel Stuart, has been acting as prime minister.

Messages of condolence came from other leaders across the Caribbean.

"It is a loss to not only the people of Barbados, but also the people of the Caribbean," said Denzil Douglas, prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis.

Grenadian Opposition Leader Keith Mitchell said Prime Minister Thompson's passing is a tremendous loss, not only to the people of Barbados but to everybody in the regional community. He described the Barbadian leader as a shrewd and outstanding politician.

He is survived by his widow, Marie-Josephine Mara, and their three daughters.

Golding saddened by Thompson's death

Prime Minister Bruce Golding yesterday joined several regional and international leaders in expressing condolences to the people of Barbados on the passing of the country's Prime Minister David Thompson.

Golding, who is the sitting chairman of Caricom, expressed deep sadness at the news.

"The Caribbean has lost one of its youngest and most vibrant leaders who remained strong, determined and focused to the very end," Golding said.

According to Golding, in the short space of less than three years, Thompson had demonstrated strong leadership within the councils of CARICOM and was firmly committed to the region's goals.

"He fought a brave fight to the very end, demonstrating the unconditional love for his country and a commitment to the people of Barbados. His will be a great loss to the region," Golding said.