Eugene Phillips, a Progressive Labour Party stalwart, has been recalled by Ewart Brown, the former premier, as the “spirit” behind the seniors medical insurance scheme FutureCare.

Dr Brown, along with his wife, Wanda, expressed “heartfelt condolences” at the death of Mr Phillips, of St George’s, at the age of 95.

Dr Brown said that Mr Phillips, while not a Member of Parliament or of the Senate, nor an officer of the PLP, had supported the party “with every bone in his body”.

He added: “Eugene Phillips was the spirit behind FutureCare. It was he who stood up at every Central Committee meeting and made the case for Bermuda’s elderly population who found themselves without health insurance 30 days after ending their employment.

“Even when his fellow members grew impatient with him, he persisted in his effort, and the PLP subsequently launched FutureCare.

“We salute him and his family for this memorable contribution. May he rest in peace.”