PM back on job
FLASHBACK. Prime Minister David Thompson speaking to the nation shortly before going off on sick leave.
Tue, August 31, 2010 - 12:00 AM
DAVID THOMPSON has resumed his duties as Prime Minister of Barbados.
An upbeat Thompson arrived at the Grantley Adams International Airport about 8 p.m. on Sunday with members of his family, after spending just under two months on convalescent leave overseas.
His resumption of office came two days early as he was originally scheduled to be away from his responsibilities until September 1.
In a brief statement issued from Ilaro Court yesterday, Prime Minister Thompson said he felt fine and was 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 advisers. I suspect that before long, I will have reason to speak to the nation on a range of pertinent issues,” he said.
Thompson expressed his gratitude to Deputy Prime Minister Freundel Stuart for ably running the Government in his absence and also thanked St Philip South MP Adriel Brathwaite for the service he rendered as Attorney General while Stuart functioned as head of Government.
Stuart was reappointed to his substantive position as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs yesterday.
In May, Thompson first announced to the nation that he was ailing. He said then that since early March he had been suffering with stomach pains that led to consultations with his personal physician.
He revealed he had undergone tests in Barbados and had also travelled to New York where additional tests were carried out. Thompson, who was on a dietary regime and noticeably lost weight, said at the time that he was scaling down his state duties as a result of his health issues.
Thompson’s as yet undisclosed illness led to several church denominations and organisations staging prayer sessions on his behalf.
On June 11, more than two dozen priests and about 2 000 people, including members of Thompson’s Government, gathered at the Gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, where they prayed that his body be cleansed and he be made healthy.
Thompson, 48, Barbados’ sixth Prime Minister, took over the reins of Government on January 15, 2008. (WG)
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I’m happy to hear that the Prime Minister is back and on the road to recovery.
Having said that I cannot think of countries other than Cuba and North Korea where the leader does not disclose his medical problem.
I may be wrong but in democratic countries when the leader has an illness, it is disclosed.
Recent examples are South American countries where two leaders were diagnosed with cancer; in the USA the President’s checkup results are fully disclosed; Chaney’s heart problems etc…
It is important for the country to know that the PM is fit enough and in sound enough mind to run the country.
If you need privacy you do not become PM or President.
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Comment LinkWelcome back Mr.Pm however i may be prudent to take the leave until all your health issues are solved rather than to comeback to have to leave again. just my 2cents
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Comment LinkIt is nice to see Prime Minister Thompson back on the job.I hope he is feeling much better, and may GOD continue to heal him and grant him good health again.
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Comment LinkWelcome back Mr.Prime Minister. I wish you all the best. Now that you are back, you will have to make some serious decisions within your administration.
I now will play the part as one of your counsels. Mr. PM, you must ask for the resignation of Minister Lashley pronto, or you must fire him immediately. This will send a message to the other cabinet members, that their days are numbered. Then you must present to the nation a real plan on how to get our country on a sound economic plan.The people voted for change, but they did not expect nickels and dimes. The BLP has got your party and administration on the ropes and if you are not careful you will have to throw in the towel. Owen is alive and kicking, got some great plans and showing that your administration has no clothes.
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Comment LinkWELCOME HOME HON. PRIME MINISTER, ALL BARBADIANS LOVE YOU AND WE WISH YOU THE VERY BEST OF LIFE AND HAPPINESS. KEEP THE FAITH, WALK BY THE SEA AND DO SOME MEDITATION WHEN EVER YOU CAN, THIS IS GREAT THERAPY FOR THE BODY.
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Comment LinkIt is great to have you back in better health than when you left. Just remember you have to take things easy for now. Continue to keep God the focal point of your life because it was only through His mercy you are who you are today. Ya don haffa tel nabody wha rong wid yah, dat is yah personal bidness… ah gon.
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Comment LinkWelcome back, Mr. Prime Minister. May you health continue to improve as you resume your duties. Special thanks to all of your Ministers and Government staff for doing a magnificent job in your absence. As a wise man once said “Good fortune and misfortune take effect through perseverance. The way of heaven and earth becomes visible through perseverance. The way of sun and moon become bright through perseverance. All movements under heaven become uniform through perseverance.”
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Comment LinkBarbados and i do give God thanks for being so merciful to touch the life of our PM…. and we and others will continue to lift him up to the mercy seat of God…. Give thanks.. we are happy to have you and family home again
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Comment LinkMay I take this opportunity to wish Mr. Thompson God speed in getting Better. May I offer him some advice, do not over do anything, you have staff. delegate to them what has to be done. May I wish his Mum,his wife and all of his family God’s blessings
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Comment LinkLots of prayers were offered up Mr. Thompson and I pray that God will continue to heal and bestore many years ahead for you to lead your country unto bigger and better things. God Bless and welcome back home!
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Comment LinkGlad to hear you back Sir. Take care of yourself. One day @ a time
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Comment LinkThanks be to God for his grace and mercy in allowing our PM to resume his office. It matters not what his problem was or is, he has the right to make sure that the country was taken care of in his absence and that is the most important thing. None of us are exempt from illnesses at some time or other in our lives and whether we choose to keep it personal is up to us. Some of us need to mind our own business.
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Comment LinkI’m very happy to know our PM is feeling better and back to work, yor are a very young man with alot of life to live, therefore take it easy and God is able to give you total recovery,because as you know we Barbadians are a praying people with a lot of faith which has kept our island so special.All the very bbset to you and yours.
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Comment LinkI am in complete agreement with you Sylvia.
Well said.
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Comment LinkSo glad to hear that our Prime Minister is back with us once again and ready to take up the reins, apparently feeling much better and in good spirits, if the report here is accurate.
I look forward to hearing him address the nation as is reported in the article above.
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Comment LinkIt’s fantastic to hear/read you’re well enough to be home and back to work Mr Prime Minister! All this was done through Our Heavenly Father, via the prayers of Barbadians at home, abroad, your family and others every where! Continue to pray for your absolute healing, as HE is AWESOME!!!
Marilyn Ross-Tbeur
KC MO USA
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Comment LinkWelcome back Mr Prime Minister I am very happy that you are doing better.
get some sea baths and drink some of the sea water.
don’t worry about Arthur he is yesterday’s news.
WHEN GOD OPENS A DOOR FOR YOU NO ONE CAN CLOSE IT.
MAY THE GOOD LORD BLESS AND KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN JESUS NAME
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Comment Linki agree with sylvia & bajan in NY, thanks be to God for the Prime Minister’s return to official duties, we continue to pray for his health and strength to return fully. it is none of anyone’s business what his medical condition is or was, other than he and his doctor and family members that he chooses to share that information with. all the county needs to know, is that he is out, and who is at the helm in his stead. wunnah bajans too malicious and want to be starting something. for as soon as you find out, you will be measuring him for his burying suit as my mum always told me that we love to put people in their graves. so unless you have a cure for what is ailing him, keep your nose out of his affairs…
i gone.
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Comment LinkWelcome back to our sorely missed Prime Minister and may he continue to provide robust, sound leadership to this blessed, beautiful land, simultaneously attending his wellbeing.
Inspite of some limp carpings from those who oppose, the leadership of the Hon David Thompson,Prime Minister,MP,QC, is second to none, regionally or in Bim.
Jerry CSOS
Sutton, Surrey.
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Comment LinkYour Honor Mr.Prime Minister I’d like to wish you well and am indeed happy to have read of your safe return home.We Barbadians and friend of Barbados were on a reserved mode during the fun day and social event held on this past Saturday at the Brooklyn Navy Yard as most of us pondered on how you were recuperating.
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