PM Kamla, FM Rambachan to attend state funeral for late PM Thompson of Barbados

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Foreign Minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan will attend the State funeral next Wednesday of the late Barbadian Prime Minister David Thompson. They will join other regional leaders and dignataries for the funeral at Kensington oval.

Thompson died last weekend after losing a battle with Pancreatic cancer. He was 48.

Read the story: PM David Thompson of Barbados dies at age 48

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In Parliament in Trinidad Friday, former Prime Minister Patrick Manning broke his silence to stand up and pay tribute to Thompson. Others, including Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Keith Rowley also paid tribute to the late Barbadian leader.


Read the story: House mourns David Thompson
 

Thousands of Barbadians are paying respects to their late leader whose body is lying in state Saturday at the headquarters of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), which Thompson led up to the time of his death.
 

The public viewing began at the island's Parliament on Thursday.

Media reports from Bridgetown say there were some emotional scenes as politicians and Barbadians from all walks of life passed by the open, flag-draped casket of Thompson.

Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands was the first to pay his respects and offer condolences to Thompson’s widow Mara, children, Misha, Oya and Osa-Marie and other members of Thompson's family.

Next in line were Government Ministers, Members of Parliament, Senators, members of the Judiciary and members of the Diplomatic Corps with the general public following.

The public viewing continues on Monday at the St John Parish Church and the body will be returned to Parliament on Tuesday to continue the process ahead of the funeral the next day.