Walton Brown, the late former Minister of Home Affairs and Progressive Labour Party MP, was hailed today for his positive relationship with the Bermuda Hotel Association.

Stephen Todd, the chief executive of the BHA, said the organisation had enjoyed “a very positive and amenable working relationship” with Mr Brown, in his home affairs capacity as well as his tenure as Minister responsible for the Cabinet Office.

Mr Brown, who died this week at age 59, was appointed Minister of Home Affairs after the PLP’s victory in the General Election of July 2017. He held the portfolio until November 2018, when he was switched to the Cabinet role.

Mr Brown was replaced by Wayne Furbert in April of this year, and continued to serve as a government backbencher. The MP represented the constituency of Pembroke Central.

In a statement issued today, Mr Todd said: “The former minister had always welcomed and sought input from the association on matters specific to labour relations and immigration, prior to implementing any changes which directly impacted the hospitality and hotel industry.”

Mr Todd said the relationship fostered “co-operation and understanding”, to the benefit of the industry.

He offered the BHA’s condolences to Mr Brown’s family, colleagues and friends.