The untimely passing of Bishop (ret’d) Robert Thompson is a sad loss not just to his family and friends but to the church, society and the Caribbean.
From his early days at Jamaica College, he demonstrated his affinity for the church as a member of the choir and a young acolyte. Accordingly, he proceeded straight from School to the United Theological College of the West Indies
His commitment to the church did not however isolate him from society and the problems of a devoting country like Jamaica in the aftermath of colonialism. Robert Thompson like others of the 1960s post-independence Jamaica was passionate about social justice and equity especially for marginalised and oppressed.
Indeed it could hardly have been otherwise given the influence of his father the Hon James Thompson former Member of Parliament and subsequently Custos of Westmoreland.
Equally throughout his Ministry, and at every stage, Bishop Thompson was concerned about the moral foundations of nationhood and the quality of our national institutions including the Church and our political institutions.
He never lost the personal touch however. I, like countless others, benefitted from his wise counsel. He officiated at my wedding Christened my children as we jointly continued to nurture the bond formed six decades ago on the playing fields and classrooms of Jamaica College
Jamaica has lost a stalwart son. We extend condolences to his wife Charmaine, his Sons and the extended family. May his soul rest in peace.
