Press Release No. 10/398

Press Release: Statement by IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn on the Passing of Mr. David Thompson, Prime Minister of Barbados

October 25, 2010

Mr. Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement today:

“It is with great sadness that I have learned of the untimely death of Prime Minister David Thompson.

“Prime Minister Thompson led Barbados with great distinction and honor, and until just before his death served as Minister of Finance and Governor to the IMF. During his tenure, he introduced measures to alleviate the impact of the global economic crisis on the population and earlier this year proposed an ambitious strategy to contain the medium-term pressures on the fiscal accounts. He was a strong supporter of multilateralism and international cooperation, and his relationship with the International Monetary Fund dates back to the early 1990s when he headed his country’s economic team through courageous and highly successful economic reforms. He will be remembered for his wisdom, vision, and decisiveness.

“I would like to express on behalf of the IMF our heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Barbados. He will be greatly missed.”