Roy Boyke, the Trinidadian political communications consultant who worked on the Progressive Labour Party’s 1998 election campaign, has died.

Mr Boyke became a political communications and media consultant after a career in advertising and publishing and having worked in the newspaper business in Trinidad and Tobago.

By the time he was engaged by the PLP in 1998, he had advised leaders and electoral campaigns in several Caribbean countries.

Yesterday, former Premier Alex Scott said he was saddened by the passing of a “dear friend and consummate professional”.

“Today, I received the very said news of Roy’s passing. It came as a shock because we had not been in touch recently; although, we had both a professional and personal relationship,” Mr Scott said.

“I considered him a dear friend and consummate professional.

“He made a very large contribution to the Caribbean region only history will be able to do justice to the impact he had upon the leaders and governments he advised and assisted.

“While he may have chosen to work behind the political scene as a consultant and strategist; it can be said without fear of contradiction, that he changed the course of events without a ‘shout’ but a wise ‘whisper’ into the ear of the ‘powerful and influential’; who like myself deeply respected him, and will never forget that he passed our way and we are intellectually richer, and wiser for it.

“I extend my heartfelt sympathy and prayers to his family, and close friends at this time of their grief and loss.

Mr Boyke’s engagements in Bermuda were not without controversy.

His fee for the 1998 work with the PLP was said to have been paid for by hotelier John Jefferis who later landed a lease itself controversial to run the Bermuda College-owned Stonington Beach Hotel.

In 2002, Government brought Mr Boyke back to the Island on a one-year contract as a media consultant to the Ministry of Tourism.

That move sparked controversy with the then Opposition United Bermuda Party suggesting that the contract was a cover for political consultancy work being done for the PLP.

Mr Boyke flatly denied those allegations, and reported that the UBP had made overtures for his services.

A Progressive Labour Party spokesman said yesterday: “The Progressive Labour Party is saddened by the passing of Roy Boyke and extends our condolences to his family. Our thoughts are with them at this time.”