CASTRIES – Prime Minister Stephenson King has joined the chorus of calls across the region urging Caribbean people to pray for the recovery of ailing Barbados Prime Minister David Thompson, who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“For he is not just a fellow Caribbean leader but a long time friend, so do join me in praying for the health of the CARICOM leader and for guidance and strength for his family and country,” King said, adding that he has known the 48-year-old Barbados leader for many years.
“David spoke at my constituency conference in the 1990s, he again spoke at our party convention two years ago and we have been in touch and communicated on several occasions at the regional level.
“So that on this occasion I feel very sad that just a few years after assuming office as Prime Minister of Barbados, after many years of his political journey, he has encountered this difficulty as far as his health is concerned, for which I do hope that the Lord will guide him, protect him and bless him,” King said.
“He has a great heart when it comes to regional integration,” he added.
Earlier this week, Opposition Leader Dr Kenny Anthony said that pancreatic cancer was a very debilitating illness and would take a lot of courage and determination to deal with it.
“Prime Minister Thompson, his wife and children are in my thoughts and I am certain that, too, of my wife who knew him very well, he is a great friend of St Lucia, he loves this island dearly not only because his wife is St Lucian but he loves the people of St Lucia.
“St Lucians must join in praying for him and wishing his family well, this is one occasion we have to reach out to Mara and the children and assure them that we are with them every step of the way as they confront this debilitating disease,” said Anthony. (CMC)
