ARCHBISHOP Drexel Gomez, the former head of the Anglican Church in the West Indies, has died.

Archbishop Gomez, a towering figure in the Anglican Church, served as Archbishop of the West Indies from 1996 to 2009. His influence extended beyond The Bahamas, shaping theological discussions throughout the Caribbean and the global Anglican Communion.

In March this year, there had been calls for prayers for the archbishop after he was hospitalised as he fought cancer. 

At the time, Prime Minister Philip Davis called him a “guiding light” and “a steadfast shepherd to so many”, adding: “We are grateful for his wisdom, his faith, and the love he has shared with our nation.”

Leader of the FNM, Michael Pintard, at the time said: “Throughout his life, Archbishop Gomez has been a unifying voice within the Anglican Community, and a devoted servant of God whose impact reaches far beyond the Church."

In a post to social media today, Long Island MP Adrian Gibson said he had been told by Damian Gomez QC, the archbishop's son, of the news. 

Mr Gibson called Archbishop Gomez "a guiding light across the Caribbean, a voice of conviction and unity, and a shepherd to many".

He added: "From his consecration as Bishop of Barbados, to his leadership as Bishop of The Bahamas and the Turks & Caicos Islands, and later as Archbishop and Primate of the Church in the Province of the West Indies, he guided the Anglican Church through defining moments in its history."

Former DNA leader and now FNM candidate Arinthia Komolafe posted to social media, saying: "We have lost a true servant of the Lord and son of the Bahamian soul. Our nation mourns the lost of one our finest trees. May the shade of his contributions lift us to higher heights. My sympathies to the Gomez family. May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory."

UPDATE: In a statement, the Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands said: "The Diocese shares with immense sorrow that His Grace, the Most Reverend Drexel Wellington Gomez, Archbishop Emeritus of the Province of the West Indies and former Bishop of  The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands, passed away this morning. 

"We give thanks for Archbishop Gomez’s life of devoted service to God, the Church, and the people of this Diocese and beyond. His ministry,  as Bishop of Barbados, then as Diocesan Bishop here in The Bahamas, and as Archbishop and Primate, bore witness to a faithful shepherd, a principled teacher, and a stalwart voice for the Gospel. 

"During this time of mourning, we invite all clergy, congregations, and faithful friends to join in prayers of thanksgiving. 

"May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace."

UPDATE: Prime Minister Philip Davis has issued a statement saying the nation bids farewell to "one of its finest sons of the cloth". 

Mr Davis said the archbishop, who was born in the Berry Islands before moving to New Providence at the age of seven, "carried himself with quiet authority, never loud, never seeking the spotlight, yet his presence commanded attention".

He said Archbishop Gomez had attended St Agnes Church as a youth, where his "faith took root". Mr Davis said the archbishop "was a steady hand and a moral compass".