BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC):

Joel Garner has joined the long list of individuals paying tribute to the late Prime Minister David Thompson.

Garner, president of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), noted it was with a great feeling of sadness that the national governing body learnt of the death of PM Thompson.

"Through his untimely passing the Barbados Cricket Association has lost a staunch and reliable supporter, and a striking role-model who motivated the young men and young women, actively involved in the sport, to strive for excellence," said Garner in a tribute on the BCA's website.

He added: "Mr. Thompson always understood that involvement in sports, including cricket, taught loyalty, courage and team spirit, while inculcating all the requisite civic virtues that conspire to produce stable, law-abiding and constructive citizens. It should not be surprising therefore that during his lifetime he effectively demonstrated these values and qualities.

fast bowler

Garner, a former Barbados captain and West Indies fast bowler, disclosed that the late Prime Minister was "a loyal, highly supportive, and long-standing member of the BCA".

"Mr Thompson only missed regional and international matches at Kensington Oval when he was absent from the country on government business, or when the pressure of his numerous engagements and responsibilities made it impossible for him to be in attendance," he said.

"Mr. Thompson was an ardent cricket supporter who understood the game of cricket. He was able to easily engage, with all present, in very interesting conversation and discussion about ways to grow and develop the sport in Barbados and in the region. It is well known that he had a deep interest in sports in general."

Garner, a director of the West Indies Cricket Board, also acknowledged that PM Thompson regularly attended all grades of cricket matches staged by the association throughout Barbados.