Health Minister Nelson Bascome's sudden death has helped the Progressive Labour Party start healing after a tumultuous couple of months, according to Senator Marc Bean.

And he called on Parliamentarians to honour Mr. Bascome by following his lead and show respect to Opposition members.

Sen. Bean spoke fondly of the Minister, who he called a role model and the ultimate grassroots community activist. And in the wake of the PLP's central committee meeting on Monday about the Premier's leadership, he said Minister Bascome's tragic death had helped "usher in healing" within the party.

"We need to focus on his character, and take something from it," he said. "No matter what trials and tribulations he went through he never treated the Opposition with disrespect. I hope, as we go forward, we can follow the example he set."

Members of the Upper House yesterday joined Sen. Bean in sending condolences to the late Minister's family.

Government Senate Leader David Burch, said:<\p>"He had such a jovial personality, 24/7, he always had a kind word."

>Sen. Joan Dillas Wright called the Minister a "remarkable man and an excellent person".

Sen. Walwyn Hughes noted that he had not been a close friend of Mr. Bascome's but praised his role as Minister of Health. "He was one of the Ministers that seemed to fit well with his responsibility,"<\p>he said. "His time as an addictions counsellor made him more aware of the needs of people with health issues. He just had a way to relate to people in that area and he will be greatly missed."

Attorney General Kim Wilson said she learnt much from Mr. Bascome on the campaign trail where she watched him interact with his constituents.

Mr. Bascome was also a role model to Sen. Thaao Dill: "He helped me understand that healthcare is a basic human right."

In honour of Mr. Bascome's role in the redevelopment of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Sen. Dill called for part or all of it to be named after the Minister on completion.

Sen. Walton Brown said he often spoke to Mr. Bascome about what public service is.

"There is no one else that was more selfless and more committed to his Ministry," he stated.

Opposition Senate Leader Michael Dunkley said despite sitting on different sides of the political fence he enjoyed Mr. Bascome and worked well with him. He added:<\p>"At times public service is a thankless job but he always did it with a smile."

Fellow UBP Senator Jeanne Atherden said the country could learn from him:<\p>"Bermuda is too small an Island to let difference between us divide us. There is something great to be learnt from relationships with each other."