David Thompson laid to rest after emotional service at Kensington Oval

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar joined regional and international leaders and dignitaries in Barbados Wednesday for the state funeral of the late Prime Minister David Thompson who died 11 days ago after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. Thompson, who was first elected to Parliament at 25, was 48.

Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands led local dignitaries, including Prime Minister Fruendel Stuart, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) heads of government, diplomats and representatives of various regional and international organizations in an emotional farewell to Thompson.

Speaking at during the ecumenical service held at the famed Kensington Oval, on the outskirts of the capital CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of Jamaica Bruce Golding described Thompson as “someone with so much promise should have been taken away from us so soon...

“The entire Caribbean has been left poorer...he was no ordinary man,” Golding said noting that Thompson had shown courage in the way in which he faced his own death.

The Jamaican remembered Thompson as a great Caribbean leader who brought to "a sharp and refreshing look at Caribbean issues" to the regional integration movement. Thompson was "a realist and a pragmatist", Golding said.

"He was passionately a Caribbean man, all of us Caribbean leaders will miss his wise counsel," Golding said.

Barbadians lined the streets for a glimpse of the flag-draped casket that was drawn on a military carriage. 

Rihanna, the Barbados born international recording start and the Jamaican reggae star, Luciano, also attended the funeral service.

A video presentation featuring Thompson’s three daughters and his nephew revealed the influence the late Barbadian leader had on those close to him.

Thompson's oldest daughter, Mischa, remembered her father as a person who could not remain angry at anyone for more than 10 minutes. She lamented that he would not be at her graduation.

Another daughter, Oya, said he was not only her father but a great friend as well. She spoke lovingly about her father whose favourite words were, "don't panic." Thompson's youngest daughter, Osa Marie said, “I will always love daddy and he will always be with me”.

Thompson was the third Barbadian prime minister to die in office since political independence in 1966. Others were Tom Adams and Errol Barrow.

Hartley Henry, principal political adviser to the Barbados government said in the eulogy the late prime minister lived a “short illustrious life…all he wanted was a little more time.” 

The body was taken from the oval to the St. John’s Parish Church for burial.