Dear Editor,

The untimely passing of Bishop 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 country like Jamaica in the aftermath of colonialism. Bishop Thompson, like others of the 1960s post-Independence Jamaica, was passionate about social justice and equity, especially for the marginalised and oppressed.

Indeed, it could hardly have been otherwise given the influence of his father 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 organisations.

He never lost the personal touch, however. I, like countless others benefited from his wise counsel. He officiated at my wedding and christened my children as we jointly continued to nurture the bond formed six decades ago on the playing fields and in the classrooms of Jamaica College.

Jamaica has lost a stalwart son. We extend condolence to his wife Charmaine, his sons, and the extended family.

May his soul rest in peace.

Peter David Phillips

Leader of the opposition