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)
