A dedicated member of the Treatment of Offenders Board was a hard-working and integral member of the Progressive Labour Party’s executive.

Glenn Woods was also a longstanding bellman at the old Sonesta Beach Hotel, where he was known for his courtesy and friendliness to guests — sometimes forging relationships that spanned decades.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, told the House of Assembly that Mr Woods served as “a dedicated and passionate member of the Treatment of Offenders Board”, working closely with the Department of Corrections, for many years.

“His insightful contributions and collaborative spirit have greatly influenced the board's progress and achievements,” MPs heard.

Mr Weeks said the board ensured that matters related to corrections facilities and inmates “are addressed promptly and in the best interest of all parties involved”.

“Mr Woods played an important role in this mission, and his legacy of service and commitment will continue to inspire us.”

Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier, told the House that Mr Woods played “a considerable role in the health and welfare of the party, whether we were in government or not”.

“He was not only PLP all the way, he was Bermuda all the way.”

Mr Roban praised Mr Woods as the driving force behind renaming the party headquarters, Alaska Hall, in honour of his friend and former MP and senator, the late Reginald Burrows.

Dennis Lister, the Speaker of the House, called Mr Woods a man with “a big heart, willing to do above what was required of him”.

Mr Lister recalled meeting Mr Woods long before politics, when he worked at the hospital as an orderly and Mr Woods served as an ambulance driver and emergency medical technician.

A succession of government MPs praised the former deputy branch chairman of Southampton East Central as a selfless supporter who continually encouraged his colleagues.

Zane DeSilva, a government MP who formerly represented Southampton East Central, said: “Glenn Woods was more than a PLP stalwart, he was a giant of a man and person.

“Whenever there was a PLP function, march, election, he would always be there and never without his huge PLP flag.”

He added: “In the PLP, we always refer to us as ‘bleeding green’. Glenn was the ultimate PLP giant that bled green. There were not many that were more PLP than our dear brother Glenn.

“Glenn was the one that carried me over the PLP starting line and stood by me my entire political life.”

Mr DeSilva called him “my brother who I will miss dearly”, adding: “He was an awesome husband and father who loved his family deeply.”

• Glenn Melvin Woods, a Progressive Labour Party stalwart, was born on August 5, 1951. He died in May 2024, aged 72