Prime Minister Mia Mottley pays tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore who died this week.
Below is the PM’s full statement
Today, on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, I join with countless others across the United Kingdom and beyond in saying goodbye to a true gentleman, Captain Sir Thomas Moore, more affectionately known as Captain Tom.
While death always brings more than its fair share of sadness to those it leaves behind, on this occasion the world is able to say goodbye with a collective smile because it is not just the departure of a man we are marking, but the recognition of someone who until his very end at 100 years of age, still represented a spirit of caring and sharing that is so often lacking in our daily interactions.
Captain Tom, as far as we know, was not a man of notable financial wealth, but with a heart that was teeming with compassion for others, in a record 24 days he was able to raise almost £33 million to assist fellow Britons via the UK’s National Health Service. I felt his deep sense of compassion when I had the opportunity to meet him on his visit to Barbados last December.
Rest in peace Captain Moore, for you have indeed fought a good fight and have completed your course with dignity. All Barbados applauds you.