The death of former Premier Sir John Sharpe has caused shock among his former Parliamentary and Cabinet colleagues.

Acting Premier Eugene Cox said yesterday: "I certainly want to offer condolences to his family on behalf of the Government and the people of Bermuda. Sir John will be sadly missed.

"He was certainly a statesman with a common touch,'' Mr. Cox said.

Pamela Gordon, current leader of the United Bermuda Party which Sir John helped found and of which he was leader for just a year and a half from 1975 to 1977, said he was a "voice of reason'' within the party during his political career.

"It always struck me how measured he was in his reasoning,'' she said. "Sir John always wanted to create balance. I sought his counsel when I was Premier.'' Ms Gordon added: "First and foremost he always asked was it good for Bermuda.

He should be considered a statesman. I wish to extend the condolences of the United Bermuda Party to the Sharpe family.'' Sir John's long time Warwick West running mate Quinton Edness said he was "shocked'' by the sudden death.

"Jack Sharpe made an enormous contribution to Bermuda,'' Mr. Edness said.

"Through politics, in business, in sports, and through his beloved St. Mary's Church. Bermuda has lost a very wonderful son in the passing of Sir John Sharpe.'' Mr. Edness added: " He was at the forefront of many changes that have taken place over the past 40 years. I had the privilege of being his partner representing Warwick West since 1968. He was a man of integrity.'' Speaking about Sir John's political skills including his knowledge of constituency issues and the people of Warwick, Mr. Edness said Sir John was a master at encouraging the young and caring for the old.

The UBP's internal politics during his controversial Premiership was described as "turmoil'' by Mr. Edness who said Sir John was a liberal.

"He was very interested in bringing about change to our social problems,'' Mr. Edness added. "He continued after resigning as Premier to serve as a Minister.'' Former Premier Sir John Swan said Sir John maintained his "common touch'' throughout his political career.

The Black Caucus formed when Sir Edward Richards was Premier and Sir John Sharpe was deputy in the mid 1970s and were concerned the party had to deal with "pressing social issues of the time'' as one former member described it recently.

Sir John Swan said the seeds for the collapse of Sir John Sharpe's premiership were sown as he tried to patch differences in the party by those against the Black Caucus.

"It probably got him into trouble,'' Sir John said. "He set out to shore up the leader's role while Deputy Premier.'' He added: "But because of the reaction by whites and some blacks in their desire to attack Edward Richards, Sir John put in place the eventual demise of his Premiership.'' And of the years during the 1980's when Sir John Sharpe was a Minister in his cabinet, Sir John said: "He was not just a cabinet minister during the 1980's but the father of the party.'' Sir John added: "He helped me tremendously when I was Premier. I never questioned his loyalty.'' OBITUARY OBT