The Premier has expressed the nation's condolences to the people of Martinique on the death of poet and politician, Aime Cesaire.

Mr. Cesaire was an early exponent of black pride and was also renowned for his anti-colonialism. He died on Thursday, aged 94, after being treated in hospital for heart problems.

The politician spent nearly half a century at the French parliament and was repeatedly elected mayor of Martinique's capital, Fort-de-France. He co-founded the journal 'Black Student' in Paris in the 1930s, while his 1950 book 'Discourse on Colonialism' was considered a French political classic.

Among his best-known works are also the essay 'Negro I Am, Negro I Will Remain' and the poem 'Notes From a Return to the Native Land'.

Mr. Cesaire was mayor of Fort-de-France from 1945 to 2001, with the exception of 1983-84. He helped Martinique shed its colonial status in 1946 to become an overseas department of France.

Among the dignitaries who attended his state funeral on Sunday were French president Nicolas Sarkozy.

In a letter to Alfred Marie-Jeanne - President of Conseil Regional De Martinique, Premier Dr. Ewart Brown said: "I wish to convey my deepest regret and condolences on behalf of the Government of Bermuda and the Bermudian people, upon the news of the passing of Mr. Aime Cesaire, to his family and the people of Martinique.

"Mr. Cesaire was not only a champion of Martinique and its people; but a son of the Caribbean and of the African Diaspora, whom he served so diligently and courageously throughout his life.

"He has enriched all of us by his work and his example. I am of no doubt that Aime Cesaire was one of the 'Great Men' of the Twentieth Century and will be sorely missed by those who value liberty and the inherent equality of all men.

"Mr. Cesaire, throughout his life, never failed to 'speak truth to power' and by his sterling intellect, deep compassion for his people and mighty pen, fought on behalf of the dispossessed and the powerless.

"His indomitable legacy is assured and he shall never be forgotten."