A Progressive Labour Party stalwart, teacher and trade unionist has died aged 98.

Ann Pindar, who ran as a candidate for the PLP in 1968 and 1976 elections, was hailed by the party as a pioneer in the Bermuda labour movement.

A party spokeswoman said: “Prior to running as a candidate for the PLP, Ms Pindar was one of the few women actively involved in the labour movement within the Bermuda Workers Association which subsequently birthed the Bermuda Industrial Union.

“Ms Pindar was a close associate of Dr EF Gordon, working with him and others to orchestrate the labour movement in Bermuda and was among the brave Bermudians who marched with him to present, to the then Governor, a copy of the historic BWA petition.

“This petition, which he would then take to London, called for the Secretary of State for the Colonies to send a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the oligarchic governance of Bermuda.”

The PLP honoured Ms Pindar with its Drum Major Award in 2012 for her contributions to the island and the party.

David Burt, the Premier and PLP leader, said: “The PLP owes a tremendous debt to Ms Pindar as a woman who courageously stepped forward in service of our country and our party to provide leadership and representation at a time when few women did so and when the consequences for association with the PLP were great.

“We honour her memory and cherish her sacrifice. I was fortunate to be in attendance at the Founders’ Day Event in 2012, and recall the incredible impact Ms Pindar’s story had on the attendees.

“On behalf of the PLP I extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ms Pindar and to her BIU family.”

Ms Pindar ran for the PLP in Devonshire South in 1968 alongside the late Richard Lynch, and again in 1976, but did not win a seat in the House of Assembly on either attempt.

Dame Jennifer Smith, a former premier, said Ms Pindar was an “unsung hero” of the party in 2018.

She added Ms Pindar was selected by the BIU to attend a conference in Barbados alongside PLP politician Dame Lois Browne-Evans.

Ms Pindar brought home key documents from the conference, including a copy of a party constitution that was used to form the PLP in 1963.

Ann Cecilia Pindar, trade unionist and a founding member of the Progressive Labour Party, was born on August 2, 1922. She died on November 1, 2020. Ms Pindar was 98.