The Progressive Labour Party has paid tribute to former Presiding Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Bermuda, the Reverend Malcolm Eve.

A spokesman for the Party said: "The PLP joins with the AME Church in sadness.

“As pastor at both St Philip and Bethel AME churches, and with the support of his beloved wife Elvia, Mr Eve was fondly known as a very kind and good administrator of the church.

“He was truly a man of God – a proud and outstanding AME. He was loved by the people.”

Mr Eve, who died this month at the age of 86, served in numerous capacities.

After serving as an assistant pastor at St Paul AME Church in 1987, he was appointed pastor at St Philip AME Church in Harris Bay.

He served there until 1997, when he was then appointed the pastor of Bethel AME Church in Shelly Bay.

He served there until his retirement in 2010.

At the 1993 Bermuda AME Conference, Mr Eve was appointed Presiding Elder of the Bermuda district.

He also served in this capacity until his retirement.

The spokesman added: “The PLP thanks Mr Eve for a life dedicated to the people through the auspices of the AME Church.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Elvia, his surviving siblings and their families, and of course his AME church family.

“Well done thy good and faithful servant."