Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace on Sunday afternoon said that he is saddened by the death of David Thompson, former Prime Minister of Barbados.{{more}}

He said although he knew that Thompson’s illness was terminal, he was “very saddened by his passing.”

“I knew that he didn’t have long, but maybe it’s a little shorter than I thought it was going to be,” said Eustace, as he described Thompson as a gentleman.

Eustace said he first saw Thompson on television at age 14 when he went to work at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in Barbados.

“He used to be on television at age 14 almost every single Sunday. They had a programme which they used to have debates among the secondary schools,” said Eustace, noting that Thompson represented his school.

Eustace said he held the view very early, that Thompson was going to become a politician.

“He was extremely good even at that age in presenting himself on television,” said Eustace, stating that he had followed Thompson’s career over the years and is very touched by his passing.

He recalled that the last time they had a long chat was at the funeral of the late Prime Minister of St. Lucia, Sir John Compton, where they sat together for over six hours. Eustace said that he saw Thompson on

a few occasions after that, but didn’t get the opportunity to enter into any deep conversation.

“I’m really saddened by his passing,” said Eustace.

Meanwhile, Eustace, commenting on the local elections campaign, said his New Democratic Party (NDP) is continuing to do what it has to do as a party.

“Like everybody else, we are waiting for when the elections date is known, but in the meantime we’ll just continue our campaign,” said Eustace.

He said the NDP has increased its meetings as well as other events, but reiterated “we are just waiting until the date is announced.”(HN)