A Government Minister has encouraged Barbadians, while mourning former Prime Minister the late David Thompson, to use his contribution and legacy as impetus to take the country forward.

This challenge has come from Minister of Family, Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley, who says he believes this is what the late Prime Minister would have wanted.

Speaking minutes after a brief swearing – in ceremony at Government House this morning, Minister Lashley, who was away on Government business in Mexico when the Prime Minister passed away on Saturday, offered sincerest condolences to his family, especially his widow Mara Thompson and their three children.

"I would like to convey sincerest condolences to the family of the late Prime Minister, we are all in a state of shock. Obviously, the loss of someone of the quality of David Thompson is something that I believe this country will not overcome in a long time.?? I believe that the late Prime Minister, understanding our loss, would have wanted Barbadians to dust off, so to speak, and to focus on building the kind of Barbados that will redound to the benefit of our children."

While acknowledging the difficult current economic climate, Minister Lashley noted that the added loss of a leader, would obviously, be extremely challenging.

"However, I believe that collectively we are all dedicated to the task, and given the kind of legacy that the Honourable David Thompson left that we have a good record and a good legacy on which to take Barbados forward."

Minister Lashley underscored the need for Barbadians not to lose sight of what was important, and to continue along the path of mutual respect for each other.

"We are?? in rather difficult economic times and it calls for all Barbadians to be considerate. In Government, yes we know we have to focus on what is good for Barbados, but our country, as a whole, needs to see this moment as one of coming together and holding each other’s hands," he implored.

Minister Lashley pledged his personal commitment, as well as that of his Cabinet colleagues to continue to work together to take Barbados to even greater heights, and, by so doing, to honour the late Prime Minister’s memory. cgaskin@barbados.gov.bb

Pin It on Pinterest