 January
17, 2008: “I David John Howard Thompson being
appointed prime minister
do swear that I will to the best of my judgment at all times
when so required freely give my counsel and advice to the
Governor General or to any other person for the time being
lawfully performing the functions of that office for the
good management of the public affairs of Barbados and I do
further swear that I will not on any account at any time
whatsoever disclose the council advice opinion or vote of
any particular minister or parliamentary Secretary and I
will not except with the authority of the cabinet and to
such an extent as may required for the good management of
the affairs of Barbados directly or indirectly reveal the
business or proceedings of the cabinet or the nature or
contents of any documents or any matter coming to my
knowledge in the capacity as such and in all things I will
be a true and faithful prime minister so help me God.”
It was with those words
that David Thompson was sworn in on Wednesday
as the 6th Prime Minister of Barbados. Thompson's Democratic
Labour Party, ended nearly 14 years of political rule
by the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) with an overwhelming
20-10 seat advantage.
Former Prime Minister Owen Arthur, who retained his seat
in parliament was gracious in accepting the result of the
poll. He attributed a desire for change as the overwhelming
factor in the outcome.
Prime Minister Thompson has announced a bank holiday on
Friday, during which he said his candidates would engage in
victory celebrations. |
