PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has offered his condolences on the death of former Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur.

Mr Arthur died yesterday aged 70. He had reportedly been hospitalised earlier this month with heart complications. He was the longest serving Prime Minister of Barbados, having served on three occasions from 1994 to 2008, and serving as Leader of the Opposition from 1993-94 and 2010-2013. He led his party to victory in the 1994, 1999 and 2003 general elections.

Dr Minnis said: “He left an indelible mark on the economic and social development of Barbados. Owen Arthur was appointed to the Barbados Senate in 1983 and was elected as a Member of Parliament in 1984, where he served until 2013.”

Dr Minnis sent a letter of condolence to the current Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, saying: “This sad occasion causes us to reflect upon his remarkable life, his outstanding contributions to Barbados, the Caribbean Community and the international community, these memories will be cherished by all. His several visits to The Bahamas is also an important part of those memories.”

He said that Mr Arthur “was a tremendous friend and admirer of The Bahamas”, and added: “Barbados has lost a great son of the soil and the Caribbean has lost a champion of the region, which mourn his passing.”

Mr Arthur earned a BA degree in Economics and History and an MSc degree in Economics from the University of the West Indies (UWI).

Dr Minnis concluded: “On behalf of the government and people of The Bahamas, and on my own behalf and that of Patricia, I extend condolences to his wife, Julie; his two children, Leah and Sabrina; other family members and to the people and Government of Barbados. Our prayers and sympathy are with his family, friends and former colleagues during this time of bereavement.”

Sir Shridath Ramphal, second Commonwealth Secretary General, better known as “Sonny” Ramphal, also sent his condolences. “Barbados,” said Sir Shridath, “has lost a great son. CARICOM has lost a great West Indian. We are all the poorer for Owen’s going.

“His last leadership role was to chair the Commonwealth’s Observer Mission to the Guyana elections where he distinguished himself for his courage in speaking the truth to power. May his memory be honoured in the upholding of his candour..”

And Sir Ronald Sanders, a veteran Caribbean diplomat, presently serving as Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the OAS, and the writer of The Tribune’s Monday column, “World View,” also paid tribute.

“Owen Arthur and I had been talking almost every day over the last few weeks, until he was admitted to hospital,” said Sir Ronald. “He was deeply troubled by events in Guyana and about matters concerning LIAT. Most of all, he was worried by dangers of fragmentation in the Caribbean Community in whose cause he worked to the very end. He richly deserves to be remembered as an outstanding Caribbean Champion”.