IN A EULOGY that evoked applause and tears, Hartley Henry, who was chief political adviser to David Thompson, said that the late Prime Minister’s success could be measured by the lives he touched.
At the state funeral service at Kensington Oval, Henry lamented that Thompson was cut down before he could accomplish the agenda he had set himself in Government.
“In that sense, his full promise was unfulfilled,” said Henry, adding that his success could best be measured by the many lives he touched as he was greatly loved and admired as much by the boys on the block as the captains of industry.
“This transformative leader was the essence of Bajan symbolism. David Thompson’s life story is the finest example that youthfulness need not be a barrier to accomplishment.
“His success is a potent symbol to every young person within our Barbadian shores and beyond, that any of them, from whatever circumstances, who is prepared to work hard
and focus, can impact national governance and serve their country with distinction.
“He has been and always will be an excellent role model for our youth,” Henry said to thunderous applause.
Revealing Thompson’s feelings about his seven-month battle with pancreatic cancer, Henry said his preoccupation, following the grim diagnosis, was with how we could share this information without causing alarm in the country and affecting its smooth governance and the conduct of its business.
“The chief was continuously worried about the effect of the news on his countrymen; he seemed to care less about his own challenge. He never worried about losing the battle . . . his preoccupation was with fighting the disease.
“His periods abroad became more and more restless, not as a result of inadequate health care and attention . . .but because he was away from his family, his friends and his files; unable to impart knowledge and guidance to some of his fledgling ministers.
“His vigil during the long nights of ill health comported with the whole tenor of his life – although in extreme pain, not a sigh, not a groan escaped him,” said Henry. (SP)
