Dennis Lister, the Speaker of the House, was moved to tears this afternoon after a host of MPs paid tribute to his late wife, Miranda, who died last month.

The afternoon session of the House of Assembly opened with congratulatory and obituary speeches, in which MPs have three minutes to offer condolences to those who have lost loved ones.

David Burt, the Premier, opened the session by paying tribute to Mrs Lister and offering support to the Speaker.

Mr Burt said: “The one thing that I do know is that she was kind and generous at all times. I know that her legacy will continue.”

Jarion Richardson, the leader of the One Bermuda Alliance, followed, praising Mrs Lister for her work and contribution to Bermuda.

He said: “We’re very mindful of her legacy, those who went to the Bermuda Institute. We have fond memories. The homegoing service was very beautiful.

Other MPs who spoke included Scott Simmons, Kim Swan, Robin Tucker and Zane DeSilva.

Her son, Dennis Lister III, who is the PLP MP for Warwick West, rounded out the tributes.

As his voice cracked with emotion, the Speaker thanked MPs and gave his own tribute to his late wife, adding that times were hard and that his heart was broken — but that he took strength from his faith.

He said: “It’s been difficult, extremely difficult. But it just speaks to the love that she brought to this community, not only this immediate family, but island-wide.”

“We always spoke about the journey that we shared together over 46 years, but the journey was never about the destination, it was about the people that touched our lives.”

Mr Lister said that he his family had received messages of support from around the world, adding: “She left her mark wherever she went.”

“As we walk, wherever our walk takes us, we should try to leave a positive trail behind us.

“I’m deeply, deeply saddened, my heart is extremely broken, but I’m rejoicing in the life that she led.”