Barbados Prime Minister on 2-month medical leave

[CF Moderator]

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Prime Minister David Thompson is to proceed immediately on two months leave, pending the outcome of further medical tests abroad.

The prime minister, who has been in and out of office for the past six weeks, made the disclosure at a press briefing today shortly before heading off to the United States.

Thompson did not field questions but he told reporters he was not yet in a position to reveal a firm diagnosis.

He also said he was not ruling out the need for surgery at this time.

"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," he added.

In the meantime, Attorney General Freundel Stuart has been designated to act as prime minister in Thompson’s absence from the country.

The 48-year-old lawyer took over the mantle of leadership here two years ago following elections won by the Democratic Labour Party (DLP).

However, in recent weeks his state of health has been a matter of national concern with the prime minister appearing to have shed significant weight and based on his admission back in May that he had been experiencing significant stomach pains since March.

But even while stating that he did not expect Barbados to move at his current reduced pace, Thompson said he did not anticipate that the island would suffer any ill effects as a result of his current sickness.

Thompson also called on the country to pray for him and his family as they “go through one of the most testing periods”.