Bishop Goodwin Smith, a former chairman of the Human Rights Commission, passed away yesterday.

Bishop Smith was outspoken in his Christian beliefs and led the New Testament Church of God.

UBP candidate Wayne Furbert grew up with the Bishop in Hamilton Parish and said he considered the man to be a friend and spiritual adviser.

"Bermuda has lost a great man," he said. "He was the type of person that you could go to when you needed to talk and he always spoke up for himself, for others and about his beliefs.

"Sometimes he was controversial, he believed strongly in the Christian principles he grew up with. And I think Bermuda will miss that, his ability to stand up and speak out — even if he was standing alone.

"He helped both UBP and PLP Governments because at the end of the day the people of Bermuda were his main concern."

Bishop Smith was the pastor of his church for 29 years. During that time he has spoken out against homosexuality being included in the list of things you cannot discriminate against in the Human Rights Act. He has also spoken out against gambling on the Island. He was also a Member of the British Empire for his service to the community.

Mr. Furbert offered his condolences on behalf of his family and the UBP.

Premier Ewart Brown echoed his comments and said Bermuda had lost a spiritual leader.

"To say that Bishop Smith was a giant of the Ministry would be to understate his impact on the community of faith in Bermuda," Dr. Brown said. "Today we mourn a man of stature and a figure of great faith and leadership.

"As we reflect on his powerful preaching and his vision for doing great things through the proclaiming of the Gospel, we can only be thankful that we knew him and were able to benefit from his example.

"The thoughts and prayers of the people of Bermuda are with his dear wife and his family as they mourn the loss of this loving husband, father and grandfather."

Venous Memari, the current Human Rights Commission chairwoman, also expressed condolences on behalf of the Commission.