Prime Minister David Thompson is missing his first annual general conference of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) since 1978.But without a doubt he was there in spirit as the DLP opened its 55th annual general conference on Friday night at the George Street Auditorium in Belleville, St Michael.Thompson, who took an official two-month leave of absence in July due to illness and handed over the reins to former Attorney General Freundel Stuart, sent a personal message to party faithful at Friday night’s launch.The message was delivered by Acting president of the DLP, Minister of Transport and Works John Boyce, who is chairman of this weekend’s conference. Boyce said he had spoken to Thompson earlier Friday and the Prime Minister was keeping up the good fight. He asked party members to continue praying for the Prime Minister as he recuperated overseas.“This is the most important event on our national calendar,” Thompson’s message read. “And flowing from that are several strategic and important policy issues we have to discuss as we have reached the halfway point of this term.“I wish all delegates, participants and members the best, and hope you use the next few days to work towards the service of the party.”In his short address, Boyce said the party would use the conference as a time to not only look forward regarding what has to be done for Barbados, but also to reflect on the history of the Democratic Labour Party.Also on Friday night, the group Dansé National Afrique performed a special number as a tribute to Thompson.Popular songstress Carol George sang a brilliant rendition of These Dreams.The performance, entitled A Tribute To David was accompanied by a slide show which went back in time, showing the Prime Minister in childhood photos, as a student of Combermere School, his wedding ceremony with wife Mara, and a number of tours and functions he attended during his duties over the past two years. (BA)
