The late Norberg K Thompson, OBE

Norberg and Mary Thompson

“A man of action,” “One of the earliest and most prominent businessmen,” and, “A man not apologetic about his vision for the Cayman Islands,” is how Leader of Government Business, Hon Kurt Tibbetts, paid public tribute to Norberg K Thompson, OBE, who died on 30 March at the age of 81.

The leader of the country made his tribute to Mr Thompson the first order of business as he commenced the weekly Media Briefing by Cabinet Members on 31 March. In Mr Tibbetts’ presentation, pathos was an overarching quality – one that could not be missed as he spoke of having the invitation card for Mr Thompson’s 50th wedding anniversary celebrations in May 2006 that was still on his desk at the time the news of his passing reached him.

Mr Tibbetts mused on various aspects of Mr Thompson’s life. He said, “Like most men of his day he began life on the water as a seaman.” The LOGB then linked this aspect of Mr Thompson’s life to the deceased’s entrepreneurial side and said that it was probably these journeys that opened Mr Thompson’s eyes to the wide range of entrepreneurial possibilities he pursued.

“He never stopped moving,” Mr Tibbetts said – pointing to one of Mr Thompson’s first “moves” as the opening of Wholesome Bakery. He said that through the Bakery, Mr Thompson became “a community icon as he fed breakfast to the cruise ship visitors and residents.”

He said, “You immediately think of Mr Norberg” when real estate development is mentioned because “he has developed more projects than anyone else.” Mr Thompson was “well into his seventies” when he did the Royal Reef Resort in the eastern part of the Island, Mr Tibbetts recalled. According to him, that move by Mr Thompson took much needed tourism opportunities to the Eastern districts.

“He embodied the term ‘A Mover and Shaker’,” Mr Tibbetts said. About Mr Thompson’s outspokenness Mr Tibbetts said, “He was not apologetic about his vision for the Cayman Islands. People may not have always agreed with him but he stood for what he believed in.”

Mr Tibbetts described him as “a capitalist with great balance” – one that kept the Cayman Islands dear to him even while he pursued his business interests. He said that one example of Mr Thompson’s interest in his homeland could be found in the well-known stories of Mr Thompson being a volunteer “fogger” – making up teams of six to help ward off the belligerent and teeming mosquitoes in the early days.

He said the late businessman served on the Cayman National Corporation and gave of his time to other Boards as well. “His spirit of community moved him into national recognition” – with one of the high points being his receipt of the Queen’s O.B.E. award. Mr Tibbetts recalled Mr Thompson’s 80th birthday celebrations at Grand Old House and recalled that his 81st birthday was only two days before his death.

He said the grandfather of three grandchildren and five step-grandchildren; father of two; husband to Mary; and, fellow countryman “is already missed.” Mr Thompson’s death followed his brief period of illness, which started with a severe cerebral haemorrhage on 19 March.