David Burt, the Premier, last night mourned the death of Owen Arthur, a former Prime Minister of Barbados.

Mr Arthur died on Monday at the age of 70.

Mr Burt described Mr Arthur, who led the Caribbean nation between 1994 and 2008, as a “leader of great distinction”.

The Premier said: “Owen Arthur was a pioneer of modern Caribbean leadership and championed the cause of regional co-operation.

“He believed in the value of Caricom and its institutions and used his intellect in the service of the people of Barbados and the region.”

Mr Burt expressed his condolences to Mr Arthur’s wife and children, the people of Barbados and the Barbadian community in Bermuda.