Parliamentarians yesterday paid tribute to two shining stars of the modern political era who put community and social justice beyond self.

MPs and Senators said despite being "gone too soon", the legacies of Health Minister Nelson Bascome and former PLP MP and lawyer Julian Hall would live on. For Mr. Bascome, it was his community spirit and caring nature for others as a "man of the people" which would be upheld as a standard.

As for Mr. Hall, politicians present at yesterday's special sitting of Parliament said he was like "a comet in all of its brilliance". Despite his passing, his peers said his achievements will always "shine brightly", lighting the path for others to follow.

Both men were part of the "class of 1989", which Premier Dr. Ewart Brown described as "perhaps the most complex and illustrious group in the modern era of elections".

Leading the tributes yesterday, Dr. Brown said: "I rise today to lead a country in mourning for a favourite son.

"In this Chamber he was called the Honourable Member. At the Cabinet Office and within Government he was called Minister.

"To his constituents he was simply Nelson. To me he was friend and brother."

He said the "class of 1989" included Dame Jennifer Smith, the late David Allen, Dennis Lister, and "one other whose loss we also mourn".

"It was a young and energetic spirit that drove Nelson Bascome to contest the seat formerly held by Austin Thomas," said the Premier.

He said: "Nelson Bascome was more than a man of the people and of that community, he was its very essence."

Dr. Brown described the Minister as "a dedicated and studied member of Cabinet".

"The tone he used never rose above the conversational when making his point but his was a voice of reason and one upon which all of Cabinet could rely."

He said thanks to Mr. Bascome's efforts, King Edward VII Memorial Hospital "enjoys renewed confidence in the community and is on track for the most sweeping reform and renovation in a generation".

The Premier said he also defended his staff in the Department of Health. "He assembled a first rate team and I want them to know today he was fearless in defending them.

"Words fail to adequately express to his wife, children and family, the sense of loss we feel. I count it an honour to have served with him and the Island is richer for his service."

The Premier then paid tribute to Julian Hall.

"The very name became a synonym for everything that was larger than life. Julian's life story has become the stuff of legend.

"Everyone over the age of 35 has a Julian Hall story but however that story is told, the golden thread that is woven throughout is one of superior intellect, powerful oratory and unparalleled brilliance."

Recounting the words of Henry Longfellow, Dr. Brown said the lawyer was an example of: "Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody".

Opposition Leader Kim Swan said the United Bermuda Party was "deeply saddened" over the recent deaths of Mr. Bascome and Mr. Hall.

Speaking on Mr. Hall's former position as deputy chairman of the UBP and on his favourite song 'My Way', Mr. Swan joked: "As the song goes, I'm sure when it says 'Regrets, I have a few', the UBP might have formed part of that oratory."

But he said in addition to his talents in court, song and politics, Mr. Hall was also mesmerising in the pulpit.

"He was brilliant in the courtroom but had a special gift in the church," he said.

Senate President Carol Bassett then paid tribute to both men.

"Nelson Bascome was a man who set a standard of what it means to be a true servant of the people. He was born to serve," she said.

Mrs. Bassett said she had grown up in the same neighbourhood, and that when he decided to run for Parliament, "everyone knew he was a natural fit right from the start".

"He never carried any airs, he was always down to earth," she said.

"Mr. Bascome had something special which you wish more people had, and that was compassion. He especially had a heart for our youth.

"Nelson Bascome was a gift from God to our community. If you wish to honour his memory, honour it by setting the same standard he set, a standard of compassion."

Mrs. Bassett then said: "On behalf of the Dill family, we loved our son Julian (Hall)."

She said that at her cousin Valerie Dill's service Mr. Hall, being the "showman" he was, spoke for so long it cut the minister's own address.

"Forty-five minutes later, after three songs and numerous stories, some of whom had nothing to do with Valerie, the minister got up to the podium. We were way behind time and he was supposed to preach but said he now felt it unnecessary, 'now the preaching has been done'. He gave a quick prayer and ushered us out to the graveyard," laughed Mrs. Bassett.

She added: "I know Julian did not have an easy life but there are some of us who are called to push through and make the way for others to have an easier time. We are thankful for his life."

Opposition MP John Barritt said of Mr. Bascome: "He never had a cross word.

"That smile and twinkle in his eye was most disarming. He was a people person, and I will miss him."

Commenting on Mr. Hall, Mr. Barritt said he was "dazzled" by his intellect and command of the English language.

"His star shone very brightly, whether it was in the field of politics, field of law, socially, in the church, or just on a personal basis," he said.

Works and Engineering Minister Derrick Burgess then reminisced about Mr. Bascome, his "best mate" and golf buddy.

"Nelson had a Christian heart and exemplified that in everything he did," said Mr. Burgess.

He also described him as "a really fun guy".

"He liked to tell jokes and most people laughed before he started to tell them because they knew it took three or four days to get it."

He added: "When Nelson came into Parliament and became a Minister it didn't affect his style, he remained on the ground with the people.

"He is going to be one I will truly, truly miss."

Mr. Burgess said that Mr. Hall only wanted "the best for all mankind".

Commenting on his role as a consultant to the Ministry of Works and Engineering, the Minister said: "Let me tell you, Julian was underpaid by us. Every cent, he earned it. He was the best we can find and he saved us millions of dollars. He was my consultant and my friend."

Deputy Speaker Dame Jennifer Smith then gave an emotional tribute.

"Both men were people persons and were concerned about the welfare of others, and both enjoyed life and family," said Dame Jennifer.

"Both also had a musical talent. Nelson for the drums, and Julian for singing.

"To say that they were giants is to state the obvious. Julian was without parallel in the realm of defence lawyers. He was just a comet that blazed across our path, leaving in his path memories on which we will build."

She said: "Nelson, I think his legacy to us is to follow his example."

Shadow Health Minister Louise Jackson also became tearful in her tributes. She described Mr. Bascome as having a "wonderful temperament", and that both MPs had a mutual respect for one another.

Commenting on Mr. Hall she said even as a teenager, speaking at a UBP conference, he had impressed with his speeches. As well as being "bowled over" by his political acumen, Mrs. Jackson said Mr. Hall had a "magnificent" voice, having sung at both her daughters' weddings.

Deputy Premier Paula Cox then praised Mr. Bascome's attentive nature and words of encouragement to others.

"Nelson Bascome was a man who gave," said Ms Cox. "He gave in encouragement and to those that needed a boost."

She said just a couple of weeks ago they had sat next to each other in Cabinet but that he called her that evening to ask how her mother was.

"He took the time to call me, just to ask that. He gave his encouragement, he gave his time," said Ms Cox.

"He had that certain je ne sais quoi, about meeting people where they are. But don't make the mistake of thinking he was just nice. He was shrewd, astute, a tactician, and could fight like a pit bull.

"He also gave us laughter and brought a smile to all of us."

Ms Cox said: "We have lost two bright lights but the beat goes on. So even as we celebrate who they were, let us also remember what they stood for, and we must keep passing the baton."

Government backbencher Randolph Horton said: "Nelson was a man with a true and a real sense of community. A sense of community that each and everyone of us sitting in this House should follow."

See tomorrow's Royal Gazette for the continuation of yesterday's special session and coverage of Mr. Bascome's funeral.