ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – West Indies Cricket Board president, Julian Hunte said Saturday the region had lost a passionate supporter and tireless worker, with the death of Barbados Prime Minister David Thompson.
Thompson died early Saturday at his home following a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was age 48.
“Prime Minister Thompson was a true cricket lover and a committed fan of the West Indies team. He was a passionate supporter and had the game at heart,” said Hunte.
“He was a long-standing member of the Barbados Cricket Association and always took a keen interest in the game at all levels – from the club scene to the international stage.”
He added: “Today, we at the WICB have lost a close friend. Hon. David Thompson was a tireless worker on behalf of the game of cricket and did his best to make sure the game progressed, and held pride of place in the West Indies.”
Thompson was elected Prime Minister in January 2008, but was earlier this year diagnosed with the disease, forcing him to take a break from his official duties.
He was one of the dignitaries, however, who attended the launch of the WICB’s High Performance Centre in June at the UWI Cave Hill Campus during South Africa’s tour of the Caribbean.
“On behalf of the entire WICB family and the cricket loving people of the Caribbean, I want to extend my condolence to Hon Thompson’s widow Mara, his children, his parents, other family members, his close friends, and the people of his beloved Barbados,” said Hunte.