Nyerere who he met through Bermudian pioneer Earle Seaton.

Philip Perinchief last night called Nyerere a "true Pan-Africanist'' and opponent of colonialism.

Mr. Perinchief said in 1980 he met the president while he was a student of Economic Development and Law at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania in 1980. Justice Seaton had introduced him to the man who led the country to independence.

Justice Seaton was the first black Bermudian Puisne Judge and had spent many years working as a judge in Tanzania and the Seychelles.

"They certainly were close,'' Mr. Perinchief said. "Justice Seaton was an affable man so it was difficult to tell if they were personal friends. But he was definitely a trusted advisor and very close to Government officials.'' Mr. Perinchief said he met President Nyerere at an evening gathering and was saddened by the news of his death.

"He was not only an anti-colonialist, but he was the leader in the democratisation of southern Africa,'' he added. "I have a lot of respect for Dr. Nyerere. Africa has lost a brilliant son of the soil. It's a loss to Africa and the world.'' Obituary: Page 15