Premier Michael Dunkley has offered his condolences to a longtime friend and colleague who helped “take Cup Match to another level”.

Colin Smith, the former president of Somerset Cricket Club, died from a heart attack at the age of 56.

The Premier’s remarks came as he closed out the parliamentary session at the House of Assembly in the early hours of Saturday morning,

“I have known Colin for some time and, not only did I do a lot of work with him through Somerset Cricket Club and the community, I considered him to be a friend because I’ve known him for a long time through Bermuda Customs when I first started working at Dunkley’s Diary,” the Premier said.

“I bumped into him down at the airport and we would always have chats and build a good relationship. When I was informed of his death last Friday, I was shocked because Colin and I are the same age. I was just blown away because I never expected this from someone who I considered had so much life in them and so much to offer.

“We would always share a joke and a laugh, and I always thought it was very interesting that a Somerset Cricket Club president lived in the East End of the Island. I will always miss his outlook and joy for life.”

Mr Smith made many contributions throughout his stint on Somerset’s executive, especially when it came to Cup Match.

“He was one of the people who, in my opinion, was instrumental in taking Cup Match to another level where sponsorship got involved and helped improve the game and allowed it to continue to progress,” Mr Dunkley said.

“At the time, he and I worked very closely to get sponsorship through Tropicana, which was one of the brands that Dunkley’s had. At that time, I think only Shell had been helping St George’s. There was very little sponsorship that took place and Colin, I think, was one of the people who gave the permission for the logos to be put on the field.

“The first year, we had Tropicana put on the field and now it’s grown to where everybody wants to have their logos on the field. We started that relationship with Somerset Cricket Club and it’s now gone on more than 20 years.

“Colin was instrumental because he had a vision to make sure that the game continued to grow and so we could not only celebrate a great rivalry, but remember history and why it’s there.”

Mr Dunkley added: “I looked forward to working with him all the time.

“He was always very good in working with Dunkley’s to help us provide the sponsorship needed. I always had that relationship which was treasured when he was vice-president and president.

“He made a big contribution to Cup Match and Somerset Cricket Club. He had a vision and without people with a vision our community doesn’t move forward. Colin was one of those people who had a vision and he gave hours to Somerset Cricket Club and they benefited from it.

“Everyone, I think, has something in them they want to help promote our community and do what they can to make our community better.

“His time on the executive there, I think, was a time people will always reflect back on and say that the organisation was well served and well run because of the dedication of people like Colin Smith.

“I am shocked and very saddened and I wish his family all the best. We need to pray for them.”