Progressive Labour Party supporter Robert Trew who died earlier this week at the age of 72 after a long illness.

Government Sen. Calvin Smith led the condolences, describing Mr. Trew as "a very good friend''.

"He stood by his convictions at a time when most people were afraid to do so,'' Mr. Smith said.

"He really was a man of his time and a role model for Bermudians. He showed that you don't have to sacrifice your convictions and what you believe in to get ahead.

"He was truly a great man and his death is a great loss to this Island.'' Senate Leader Milton Scott also paid a moving tribute, saying that Mr. Trew was always offering him words of encouragement.

And Sen. Scott also recalled how Mr. Trew's wish was to witness a Progressive Labour Party Government returned to office before he succumbed to his long battle against cancer.

"On November 10 we had a party and somehow he found out about it and he was there and gave a speech and said `now I can die in peace','' Sen. Scott said.

"That's how seriously he took his politics. He was an individual who was ready to support us at a time when nobody else was.'' Independent Sen. Jeanette Cannonier and Opposition Sen. Mark Pettingill both expressed their condolences to the Trew family.

Mr. Trew was well known on the Island as a shrewd businessman, eventually owning Eve's Cycles in Paget and St. George's Cycles.

His business empire also consisted of a number of real estate holdings and he also invested extensively in a number of black businesses.

He was also a major shareholder in one of the major banks on the Caribbean island of Antigua.

DEATH OBITUARY OBT