Praise continued to flood in commemorating the life of the veteran former MP and Bermuda Industrial Union leader Ottiwell Simmons.

A BIU spokesman said that Mr Simmons was at the helm of the union during some of its most difficult times and that his sacrifice and dedication will “for ever be etched in Bermuda’s history books”.

Mr Simmons, who led the union between 1974 and 1996 and was a Progressive Labour Party MP for more than 30 years, died a week shy of his 90th birthday.

The BIU spokesman said: “The Bermuda Industrial Union mourns the passing of our former president and iconic leader of the labour movement, Brother Ottiwell Simmons.

“We wish to express our most heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time of loss and grief.

“Brother Ottie's contributions to the labour movement in Bermuda were beyond measure.

“He led our organisation through some of the most difficult times in its history and his sacrifices, dedication and commitment to the working class will for ever be etched in Bermuda's history books.

“As an organisation, we will continue to build upon his legacy of fighting for workers’ rights, justice and equality.“

Following tributes by David Burt, Cole Simons, the One Bermuda Alliance leader, and others, a PLP spokeswoman said that Mr Simmons made a huge contribution to the island.

She said: “Under his 20 years of fearless leadership, the BIU became the leading organisation representing workers in Bermuda.

“Ottie worked tirelessly to improve the conditions and salaries for workers which resulted in significant changes to the economic landscape in our island.

“Generations of Bermudian workers have benefited, and continue to benefit, from the work of the BIU under president Ottiwell Simmons.

“There were numerous landmark successes during his leadership of Bermuda's largest union.

“Throughout Bermuda and the Caribbean, he was recognised for his organisational and negotiating skills.

“In the 1976 General Election, he won a seat in the House of Assembly as the member for Pembroke East.

“Brother Ottie brought his considerable experience as a trade unionist to the party, assisting in developing sound labour policies that became the blueprint of the PLP plans as government.

“Ottie served as Government Whip following the historic 1998 election in the first PLP government administration.

“After 35 years in the legislature, Ottiwell Simmons retired from active politics in 2007.

“This did not end his involvement in party and government affairs as Ottiwell Simmons was asked to lead and be involved with government initiatives and projects such as the review of parish councils, labour relations and seniors’ affairs.

“Ottiwell Simmons is a hero and an icon to so many.

“His service in both trade unionism and politics, especially PLP politics, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Bermuda.”