Businessman Henry Talbot, who with his wife Eunice ran the family company Talbot Enterprises, has died at the age of 84.

Mr Talbot was a long-time supporter of the Progressive Labour Party, whose Acting Deputy Leader, Walter Roban, issued a statement yesterday in recognition of his lengthy support. Mr Talbot, of East Shore Road in Sandys, was “a well-known entrepreneur and businessman and a pioneer in the private waste management and local trucking industry”.

“His relationship with the PLP goes back many decades as he stood as a successful member of the business community shoulder to shoulder with the likes of entrepreneurs like the late Robert Trew and the late Lloyd Telford, who were also PLP stalwarts when it was not fashionable,” Mr Roban said.

“Mr Talbot showed courage, conviction and support for the Party prior to the historic victory in 1998.”

Mr Roban recalled him as someone who was very close to past leaders of the PLP as well as Premier, including Dame Lois Browne-Evans, L. Frederick Wade, and former Premiers Dame Jennifer Smith and Paula Cox.

“The respect for Mr Talbot was so high throughout the party that he was appointed a trustee, a position reserved for only the most strong, wise and respected members,” Mr Roban added.

“He and his wife would personally give time and would regularly support events on behalf of the Party for causes throughout the island. They even played host to longstanding international friends of Bermuda and the party such as the late Bahamian Prime Minister Sir Lynden O. Pindling.

“Mr Talbot and his family could always be counted on to give the highest level of support for the PLP and Bermuda when asked. We will miss this giant figure within our party and the Bermudian community. On behalf of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party, I extend heartfelt condolences to his wife Eunice, his children, grandchildren and all the Talbot family.”