Dr. Barbara Ball was celebrated at the launch of a book dedicated to her tireless work to improve workers rights in the 1960s.

The book, 'Our Lady of Labour' was written by PLP stalwart and former Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) boss Ottiwell Simmons and chronicles the Belco strike of 1965.

Speaking at the launch yesterday, Mr. Simmons said: "This is the occasion that marks the writing of one of the greatest women that Bermuda has ever known.

:Dr. Ball stands head and shoulders above many of our women and men.

"She's such a giant. Dr. Ball came into a movement at a time when white men and white women dared to travel to come up and join the BIU."

Dr. Ball who is 86-years-old and ailing was at the launch.

Mr. Simmons continued: "Yes those days are gone and we don't want to be reminded everyday but what reality was, there's no way of changing that and Dr. Ball broke the mold of segregation in this country."

Speaking on the book itself, Mr. Simmons said: "It's not about nice words and good looking people, but it's about something that's inside that has got to come outside not for self but for the people. That's what it's all about.

"Dr. Ball came into this world with nothing and she will leave with nothing.

"What she put into life while she was here, it was the treasure chest that we will forever enjoy.

"I am very proud of this book. The book is just a start of a lot left to come."