The newly elected Barbados Prime Minister, David Thompson arrived in Trinidad just before 9.00 am this morning and was greeted at the Piarco International Airport by a welcome fit for a king.

Thompson together with a small delegation from Barbados including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christopher Sinckler and the Ambassador for CARICOM, Dennis Kellman were treated to a cultural show which included Indian song and dance, African and tassa drummers and carnival characters.

The TCL Skiffle Bunch steelband orchestra entertained the visiting dignitaries with its musical rendition and accompaniment to Black Stalin singing Caribbean Man.

The hour-long ceremony was alive with symbolisms of nationhood and unity while masterfully projecting the uniqueness of the Caribbean identity with a rich blend of music, culture and an array of colour.

Following the arrival ceremony the Barbados Prime Minister paid a courtesy visit to President George Maxwell Richards before making his way to the Diplomatic Centre.

A number of issues were discussed between both Prime Ministers behind closed doors which were latter shared with the waiting media.

Addressing the gathering the Barbados Prime Minister sought to reassure CARICOM of his government’s commitment to the process of regional integration indicating it will continue to play a leading role.

Thompson minced no words in asserting the Barbados/Trinidad Fisheries Agreement was a major issue in the Trinidad/Barbados relations.

Prime Minister Patrick Manning indicated there were difficulties with the security arrangements but suggested would not be unreasonable to expect the signing of a new agreement within one year.

Both Prime Ministers expressed their sympathies to the Guyanese people.

Thompson was expected to visit the industrial area of Point Lisas and conclude his first day with a State Dinner at the President’s House.