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| Prime Minister Freundel Stuart |
Barbados’ Prime Minister, Freundel Stuart, has described the passing of former Belize Prime Minister, George Price, as a loss to the region. He said CARICOM had lost a stalwart, "someone who was not only committed to the development of his own country, but to regionalism as well."
Mr. Price passed away earlier today after taking ill last week. He became the fist Prime Minister of Belize when that country gained independence in 1981; serving in that capacity until 1984, and again from 1989 until 1993.
Mr. Stuart, who is currently in New York leading the Barbados delegation to the United Nations high level conference on Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, said it was with profound sadness that he had learnt of the passing of George Price. "Former Prime Minister Price had a long and distinguished career as a politician in Belize, and was seen as a champion for the rights of his people. I am sure that his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those Belizeans whose lives he would have touched in a versatile range of ways for over half a century.
"We may take some comfort knowing that he would have died peacefully, since territorial claims against his country had been relaxed for some time.
"To his grieving relatives and friends and to the Government and people of Belize I extend heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados. For sure, all Belizeans can attest that George Price’s living was not in vain. He fought the good fight and he finished the course. May he rest in peace".