PM on two months’ sick leave
Prime Minister David Thompson speaking at a press briefing today. (Picture by Nigel Browne)
By WADE GIBBONS | Thu, July 01, 2010 - 1:16 PM
PRIME MINISTER DAVID THOMPSON will be taking two months leave from his national responsibilities and could be heading for major surgery.
During a national broadcast from Government Headquarters, Thompson said that during the past few weeks he had undergone “observation, tests and medication”.
He added his doctors placed him on a necessary, rigourous, dietary regime that had caused him to lose weight.
“I have not completed my regime of treatment and therefore there is nothing significant to report at this time. Shortly, an evaluation will take place to determine if I need surgery. It may be a complex and serious procedure,” he noted.
Thompson acknowledged he had been operating at a reduced pace and said he did not think it was fair for him to ask Barbados to move at his reduced pace. He said it would be a few weeks before “God willing” he was able to discharge his functions in a manner that was required in the circumstances.
“Accordingly, I am requesting the nation's forbearance as I have decided to take two months leave from my duties as Prime Minister. This time will be spent outside of Barbados,” he indicated.
Thompson said Deputy Prime Minister Freundel Stuart would naturally act as Prime Minister throughout his absence and he was devolving on him the authority to make whatever decisions he deemed necessary “to keep the social and economic ship of state on even keel”.
He expressed confidence in Stuart, noting he had been carrying out the duties of Prime Minister of Barbados on several occasions during the past two years and had performed with distinction. He added
Stuart had lived up to the great expectations Barbados always had of him.
“He certainly has my undisputed confidence and respect and that of the entire Cabinet and the members of the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament,” Thompson stressed.
Again extolling Stuart’s virtues, Thompson said that as Attorney-General he commanded the greatest admiration and reverence of the legal fraternity.
He also paid homage to Barbados’ Public Service, noting it had a reputation for dedication to service “throughout the changing times”.
“I have every reason to believe that, in these circumstances, my absence from this country will have minimal effect on the efficiency and effectiveness of government institutions,” Thompson said.
Describing the situation as one of the most trying periods of his life and a very testing one for his family, Thompson called on Barbadians to rally around the causes for which he had fought throughout his career as a youth leader, lawyer and political leader.
“These causes can be summed up in the simple desire to take Barbados to the next level of development,” he said.
Thompson stated he would be leaving Barbados in a “matter of hours” and eagerly looked forward, with the help of God and Barbadians’ support and prayers, to be returning to his post in the near future.
• wadegibbons@nationnews.com
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It is unfortunate that Mr.Thompson has fallen into this illness which is taking such a toll on him. I wish him better, and his God’s graces on his family.
Still I believe that Mr.Thompson, out of respect for the people he serves, should allow us to know the nature of his sickness as it clearly has affected his ability to perform the job we asked him to do and will in the future.
It may actually best for Mr.Thompson to step aside and allow Mr. Stuart to lead the country and complete the rest of this term while he recovers.
Both in the best interest of himself and the country which is at this critical stage.
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Comment LinkMr. Thompson, I wish you all the best during this difficult time. from what I’ve read, the PM’s condition seems very serious. Medical Science will not be of much help. Medicine cures nothing! They treat symptoms that will mask and postpone the problem, making it worse.
Forget that hospital and take charge of your health. Their treatments and procedures put people in deeper trouble always.
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Comment LinkMy prayers go out to the PM
and his family that he may
get well and return to his
job.What I don`t understand
why all the cover-up about his sickness.The PM is a public figure and the people
of the country should be getting a daily report from
his secretary on how our PM
is doing.If you`re a public
person and espicially a politician and you don`t want to be ask a question or
something is being said of you that you don`t like,you should stay out of politics
and the court.What if Pres.
Bush and Obama try to take
people to court for the things that is said,they would be laugh at and a judge would not waste the taxpayers money.
Concern Baje.
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Comment LinkGood of the PM to not let malicious, gypsy, gossiping Bajans know the nature of his illness. Less chance of them predicting how long he has to live.
Mr Prime Minister there are more praying for your recovery than those wishing you ill. Speedy recovery
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Comment LinkI wish PM Thompson and the people of Barbados the very best during this period of uncertainty. The PM has every right to keep his medical information within the privacy of his family and his medical team. Everyone on Broad Street already knows what is ailing the PM, but not one of them is in a position to offer this hurting man any physical/medical help. Hang in there Mr. PM and keep up with your meditation, it really works; and you will most likely outlive most of your political rivals.
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Comment LinkI think privacy in this case is not relevant the PM needs to let us know what the problem is instead of creating doubt and speculation which is not necessary in a recession
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Comment LinkTo Concerned…how concerned are you? Are you concerned for the island of Barbados, its people, its welfare, or the health of the Prime Minister? Your silly comment does not show much concern, instead it seems you are revelling in the misfortune of another. This is not the time for party politics. This is a time that all CONCERNED Bajans everywhere should be praying for the speedy recovery of our Prime Minister. Yes! OUR PRIME MINISTER. Whether you like his party or not, whether you like him or not, whether you like it or not He is our Prime Minister, so get over it, and stand with us CONCERNED Bajans and pray for the leader and leadership of our country.
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Comment LinkYes Randy Bridgeman we need to know the nature of his illness to be specific..
When Peter was sinking in the sea of Galilee, his prayer to Jesus was very specific. “Lord save me” Jesus reached forth his hand and pulled Peter to safety .
1 King 3:5-14 When the Lord appear to Solomon..What did Solomon asked for. Jesus asked a blind man What do you want me to do for you?
Mark 11:24 Jesus said whatever you ask in prayer believe that you received it.look also at Matt 6:8 Psalm 84:11 Ephesians 3:20-21, when children come to their earthly father at Christmas, they are very specific, I want a bicyle, a train etc. if a Hurricane (storm) is heading to Barbados, we will be specific and ask God to stop this Hurricane, when I pray for President Obama every day I ask God to give him wisdon and understand like Solomon in order to get the US economy on it feet. Your friend Bim lady
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Comment LinkYou are such a clown. Obviously you have nothing to say, but just want to say something. It is better to be silent. That way no one will realize how stupid you are.
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Comment LinkTHERE GOES THE NOSY BAJANS AND GOSSIPERS AGAIN. WHY DO YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH HIM? CAN YOU HEAL HIM ANY FASTER IF YOU KNOW? JUST PRAY THAT GOD WOULD RESTORE HIM BACK TO NORMAL THAT HE CAN GET BACK TO HIS JOB OF RUNNING THE COUNTRY.GIVE THE PM AND HIS FAMILY SOME PRIVACY.
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Comment LinkI am a strong DLP supporter and i voted for the prime minister to run this country. I would definitely like to know what is wrong with him. When he decided to run for office, he should have known that there are some things that should not be kept a secret from the public and his health is one of them. David Thompson, be a man a real political leader and let the public know what is wrong with you. I don’t think I will be voting again
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Comment LinkAs I read the various comments it make me wonder if this is a war zone or petition for prayers for our Prime Minister,
If I do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, I should not be praying for our Prime Minister. So all of you that know you have a personal relationship with Jesus and living holy Please pray for our Prime Minister in Jesus Name amen PS if you cannot say anything good keep your mouth close.
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Comment LinkWhile most of us are offering prayers and well wishes some of you have overlooked one important thing. Why is Mr. Thompson so bent on holding on to the prime ministership. Does he value political power more than his health? Does he not think his party can continue without him at the helm? I know some of you maybe wondering but let me say this I’m not a member of either party and haven’t even lived in Barbados for the past 24 years. Seems to be the classic biblical example proverb “What does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul”.
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Comment LinkMy heart, compassion and love goes out to you Mr. PM. Keep your heart and mind fix on the Lord Jesus. Worry not about those that think that they are the untouchables and that sickness is only meant for you and not for them. Who knows what will be the outcome of them down the road. Let your concern at this time be your health. No one is indispensable. The country will survive. Also for those that are talking about ‘specifics’, I would like to let them know that Jesus healed people who did not even know who He was. Let’s be civil and show compassion at this time.
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