Caribbean Net News:

ST JOHN�S, Antigua: Well-known regional journalist and Caribbean Net News senior correspondent, Norman �Gus� Thomas, died early Thursday morning at Holberton hospital in Antigua at the age of 50.

A native of St Kitts, Gus Thomas spent 10 years as press secretary to former prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda Lester Bird, before joining Caribbean Net News last year.

Formerly employed by Voice of America, Gus Thomas enjoyed unparalleled access to regional heads of government and sources of news, which led at least one Caribbean prime minister to ask how it was that Gus Thomas had access to CARICOM reports before member governments.

Desmond Seales, publisher and editor-in-chief of Caribbean Net News, said, �Gus Thomas was the quintessential newsman, always ready to pick up his camera and chase breaking news at a moment�s notice. Although based in Antigua, Gus worked with us here in the Cayman Islands for a short time and he will be greatly missed, not only by our news organisation, but throughout the region.�

Sir Ronald Sanders, a former colleague in the Antigua and Barbuda government, said, �I was shocked and profoundly saddened to hear of Gus Thomas' passing. Gus was dedicated to the idea that the Internet would revolutionise news coverage and distribution, and he was right about that. His early work in this area was an example to others. I mourn with those whose lives he touched.�

Gus Thomas did not enjoy the best of health, having survived two strokes in recent years. He was hospitalised on Tuesday morning but his condition was such that the medical services in Antigua were not able to help him. He died before arrangements could be made to send him by air ambulance to Miami.

Gus Thomas is survived by his partner of ten years, Penelope Daly, and his three children. Funeral arrangements will be announced as soon as they are known.

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