The island’s entertainers’ union sent condolences today to the family of a former government senator and Bermuda Industrial Union veteran who died last week.

The Bermuda Entertainment Union joined other groups and individuals who earlier paid tribute to LaVerne Furbert, who was 74.

Selena “VaVa” Fields, the BEU president, said: “Ms Furbert was an outspoken advocate for equality and justice.

“Not only was she a life member of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party, she was also a staunch trade unionist.

“Her platform was not just about being a voice, she was a woman of action helping to effect change.”

She added that Ms Furbert had supported the entertainment union.

Ms Fields said: “She assisted this sister union whenever and however we needed her.

“She was honest with earned wisdom, a hard-worker, promoter and supporter for the wellbeing of the labour movement.

“I am personally indebted to Sister LaVerne for the guidance and wisdom she instilled in me when I took over as the president of the BEU.

“The BEU will miss her dearly.”

Ms Furbert, a social commentator and activist, was appointed a PLP senator in 2010 by Paula Cox, who was premier then.

She sat in the Upper House for a year and was junior minister for education, youth affairs, and community development.

Ms Furbert also stood as a candidate for the party in several General Elections.

She spent much of her working life at the BIU, where she was the executive secretary and also edited its monthly newspaper, The Workers Voice.