Legendary political activist Dr. Pauulu Kamarakafego (Roosevelt Brown) has died. Longtime Progressive Labour Party activist and Member of Parliament in the late 1960s and 1970s, Dr. Kamarakafego passed away at a friend’s home yesterday morning after a short illness.

PLP Premier Dr. Ewart Brown (no relation) led the tributes to the civil rights campaigner, whom he described as not only a “close friend” but “the soul of every movement for social justice in this country”.

The Cabinet held a minute of silence and all flags on Government buildings will today be flown at half mast.

The Premier said: “The Government is preparing to take steps to properly acknowledge the passing of this giant among men.

“We consider him a very, very important and iconic figure in Bermuda’s political and social history.

“From universal adult suffrage to constitutional reform, Dr. Pauulu shaped our thoughts and philosophy as a people. His causes were guided by a burning desire to see Bermuda become a haven for justice and equality.”

He said Dr. Kamarakafego’s death would be mourned around the world.

“This son of the soil was a citizen and leader on the world stage and Bermuda owes him a debt of gratitude for the life of service and sacrifice that he led. We mourn a hero of the people.”

Dr. Kamarakafego dedicated his life to improving those of others - spearheading the fight for universal suffrage and later in his life helping developing countries towards sustainability.

Friend and colleague Alex Scott, Premier of Bermuda from 2003 to 2007, said: “It is a great loss both to our party and to the country. It is the passing of an era.

“He worked tirelessly for Bermuda and the United Nations and for nations around the world. He is a homegrown son of the soil who has made us proud on so many occasions. I hope his life will inspire young people. He will be sorely missed.”

Dr. Kamarakafego lived in Southampton but spent time in palliative care at Agape House shortly before his death. It is understood he died from prostate cancer.

Fellow civil rights campaigner, former Attorney General and PLP leader, Dame Lois Browne Evans, said: “I am moved and depressed by his death but our Lord has taken him home out of all pain and suffering. This is a great loss to the community.”

Dr. Kamarakafego wrote an autobiography of his remarkable life titled Me One.

Former MP Arthur Hodgson said this best summed up his friend.

He said: “He did what one person could do. He always took the position that although he was only one person he would do what he could.

“He really lifted the consciousness of Bermuda but everywhere he went he did what he could.”

Consultant to the Premier, Rolfe Commissiong, described Dr. Kamarakafego as “a quiet yet dedicated warrior”.

“He was a very unassuming man but firm in his principles,” said Mr. Commissiong. “There is no doubt in my mind that he is one of the giants of 20th century Bermudian history.

“At a time when the white oligarchy had a total monopoly of power, it took a lot for black Bermudians such as him to summon the necessary courage to fight against the system which was having such a miserable political, economic and even psychological impact on a distinct majority in the country, that being black Bermudians.”

Mr. Commissiong added: “Outside of my mother and father who were also politically active, Roosevelt Brown was my earliest political mentor.

“I remember sitting in rapture as my mother and father and Dr. Brown (Dr. Kamarakafego) and Dame Lois Browne Evans would sit and discuss the political events of the day.

“He inspired me and continued to offer advice and counsel during my life. My greatest experience with him was overseas.

“He was part of the Pan-African movement and facilitated me as a delegate to attend the UN World Conference against Racism in Durban in 2001.”

PLP MP George Scott added: “This is a great loss to the world in general. He has done much for people all over the world.”

New Opposition leader Michael Dunkley said: “I would like to offer my condolences on behalf of the entire United Bermuda Party.

“He wanted what was best for Bermuda and he worked tirelessly towards that end.

“I send my condolences to his entire family. I had some conversations with him in the recent past and I respected him for being a man who always worked for his beliefs. He worked hard for them and sacrificed his life for them.”

Dr. Kamarakafego also served on the Board of Governors at Bermuda College and was an Honorary Fellow.

Board chairman Larry Mussenden said the College flag would fly at half mast today in his honour.

“Dr. Kamarakafego will be sadly missed by the College, Bermuda and the world community in his area of expertise,” said Mr. Mussenden.

“He will be particularly remembered for his work in the international field in relation to the environment.

“His excellent work at the United Nations is a demonstration of the level of achievement and excellence in which he operated.”