Ailing Barbados PM off on sick leave for 2 months

Barbadian Prime Minister David Thomson told the nation Wednesday he is proceeding on sick leave for two months to deal with a major health problem.

During his absence Deputy Prime Minister Freundel Stuart would act as Prime Minister.

In a national broadcast from Government Headquarters Thompson said during the past few weeks he had undergone "observation, tests and medication" adding that his doctors have placed him on rigorous diet that had caused him to lose weight.

"I have not completed my regime of treatment and therefore there is nothing significant to report at this time. Shortly, an evaluation will take place to determine if I need surgery. It may be a complex and serious procedure," Thompson said.

His treatment would take place overseas, but he did not give specific details other than to say he would be leaving "within hours".

He acknowledged that he has been operating at a reduced pace and said he did not think it was fair for him to ask Barbados to move at his reduced pace.

"Accordingly, I am requesting the nation's forbearance as I have decided to take two months leave from my duties as Prime Minister," he said.

Speaking about government responsibilities, he said Stuart would have the authority to make whatever decisions are needed "to keep the social and economic ship of state on even keel".

He said he has full confidence in Stuart, who has acted as Prime Minister "with distinction" on several occasions during the past two years.

"He certainly has my undisputed confidence and respect and that of the entire Cabinet and the members of the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament," Thompson stressed.

Thompson also paid homage to Barbadian Public Service. "I have every reason to believe that, in these circumstances, my absence from this country will have minimal effect on the efficiency and effectiveness of government institutions," he said.

Thompson called on Barbadians to rally around the causes for which he had fought throughout his career as a youth leader, lawyer and political leader.

"These causes can be summed up in the simple desire to take Barbados to the next level of development," he said.