ECLAC Expresses Its Condolences on the Death of the Prime Minister of Barbados

(26 October 2010) The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) sent its condolences today to the people and government of Barbados after the death of its Prime Minister, David John Howard Thompson.

"It is with deepest sorrow that I learned of the passing of David John Howard Thompson. His passing is a not only a great loss to the people of Barbados but also to the international community," said ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena in a letter.

"We remember Prime Minister Thompson as a compassionate, thoughtful and genuine leader with a deep love for his family and country. We hold in high regard his contribution to public life and his achievements. We would like to express our condolences to his wife, Mrs. Mara Thompson, to his family and to the people of Barbados," she said.

He was a leader who worked endlessly to assure access to education, health care and housing, in an environment respectful of human rights and the rule of law. He also expressed deep concern that the recent economic crisis threatened to derail progress and worsen the already desperate circumstances of the most vulnerable, stated Bárcena in her letter.

David Thompson, one of the youngest Heads of State in the Caribbean, died on 23 October at the age of 48 due to pancreatic cancer. He became Prime Minister of Barbados in January 2008.

For inquiries, please contact ECLAC's Public Information and Web Services Section. Email: dpisantiago@cepal.org; telephone: (56-2) 210-2040.