A man coined a "champion for social justice, equality and opportunity" was yesterday honoured with a tribute plaque in St. George Square.

The late Tourism Minister David Allen was considered a visionary and praised for giving birth to the African Diaspora Heritage Trial.

At an unveiling ceremony Premier Dr. Ewart Brown spoke about Mr. Allen's contributions to race relations and said Bermuda needed more people like him.

"David was a champion for social justice, equality, and opportunity," the Premier said. "That he was willing to subject himself to social and economic ostracization and stand up proudly for workers, the disadvantaged and even people that look like me was commendable.

"David could have stayed out of politics like many Bermudians do, but he was a visionary that sometimes saw things that were good for Bermuda that others weren't ready to grasp. He was courageous, a white man that united with his country to tear down institutionalised racism and unearned privilege."

Dame Jennifer Smith, Chairman of African Diaspora Foundation in Bermuda, remembered Mr. Allen as a friend who served in both the Senate and House of Assembly along side her in the 1980s.

She recalled Mr. Allen was an avid traveller who saw first hand the self-negating effects of colonialism and racism. He joined the Progressive Labour Party and became actively involved in bringing about social and economic change in Bermuda, said Dame Jennifer.