Popular Hamilton businesswoman Annie Young has died at the age of 79.

David Burt, the Premier, paid tribute to the owner of the True Reflections store yesterday in Parliament.

Mr Burt said the Mount Hill, Pembroke resident was a stalwart of the Progressive Labour Party.

True Reflections, which was open from 1990 until 2011, specialised in African products, including clothing, furniture, music, books and greeting cards.

Ms Young opened her shop on Court Street with daughters Valerie and Patricia.

The store later moved to Chancery Lane.

Its closure was highlighted by Paula Cox, then premier and finance minister, in her 2011 Budget speech.

Ms Cox praised the store’s “Bermuda-at-your-service brand of salesmanship and hospitality”.

Ms Young said at the time that closing her store felt the same as “losing a family member”.

She added: “I feel sorry for the young people who have not had the opportunity to go into a shop like this.

“I have students who come in here all the time and say thank you for letting me sit down and read a book.”

Mr Burt told the House of Assembly that “her presence will be sorely missed”.