The Premier and Leader of the Opposition paid tribute to a “selfless servant of the people”, Martha Dismont, who died last week.

David Burt, the Premier, said Ms Dismont was “committed to uplifting the lives others”, adding: “I join with many in the community in reflecting on the incredible life of Martha Dismont.

“Martha was passionate about making a difference in our community. From her tireless work with Family Centre to her relentless work of addressing the challenges of gang violence and antisocial behaviour in our neighbourhoods — Martha made it her mission to work across all sectors to seek solutions that bettered Bermuda.

“But Martha’s lifelong purpose was working with and advocating for Bermuda’s families.

“Martha Dismont was unmatched in galvanising people to get more involved so that we could make progress in fixing the disparities in our community.

“She wanted us to care about our young people, our families and the challenges and traumas they were facing. She encouraged us to help where we can by supporting Bermuda's families and making a difference in their lives in whatever small way.

“She always believed that more could be done to give those continuing to struggle hope. Martha challenged premiers, ministers, parliamentarians, policymakers and every Bermudian to have more compassion for those who were suffering. That was her greatest impact and that will be her greatest legacy.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I extend my deepest and sincerest condolences to Martha’s family, loved ones and friends. Her advocacy is a great loss to Bermuda, and she will be truly missed.”

Cole Simons, the Leader of the Opposition, also paid tribute to Ms Dismont saying her legacy of “passion, dedication and eternal optimism” should inspire us to work towards a brighter future for Bermuda.

Mr Simons was speaking after the social worker and counsellor who founded Family Centre passed away at the age of 66.

He said of Ms Dismont, who was appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2016 for her decades of service to the island: “Martha Dismont was not just an exceptional social worker and counsellor, she was a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive transformation in our society.

“Through her remarkable dedication and the establishment of one of Bermuda's leading helping agencies, she touched the lives of countless individuals by serving selflessly and tirelessly.

“She has left an enduring legacy of compassion and empowerment. Her unwavering optimism and relentless pursuit of solutions to Bermuda's grass roots social problems were truly awe-inspiring.

“She firmly believed in the power of collaboration and community engagement, always striving to find innovative approaches to address the challenges faced by our most vulnerable citizens. Her unwavering commitment to fostering a more equitable society will for ever be remembered.”

Speaking on behalf of the One Bermuda Alliance, Mr Simons said Ms Dismont understood the deep-rooted problems faced by those who sought her support. He said she was determined to help them overcome adversity.

He continued: “Her legacy as an advocate for the most vulnerable members of our society will continue to inspire future generations. However, we must remember her not with sorrow but with gratitude for the profound impact she had on our lives.

“Her selfless dedication, visionary leadership and boundless empathy will continue to guide us as we strive to build a more just and compassionate society.

“We must honour the memory of Martha Dismont by continuing the work she started, by striving for a society where everyone has equal opportunities and access to the support they need.”

Former premier Ewart Brown also paid tribute to Ms Dismont saying: “I am shocked to hear of Ms Dismont’s death. I had the pleasure of meeting and working with her over the years. She was focused on her goal of helping those who needed a hand up.

“She did it through perseverance and grace. Her impact on the lives of thousands of Bermudians is a matter of public record. May she rest in peace.”