David Burt has paid tribute to former House of Assembly Speaker Ernest DeCouto, who died last Friday.

The Premier said in a statement: “On behalf of my ministerial colleagues, I extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ernest DeCouto.

“He worked diligently for his constituency for some 21 years and is recognised for his hard work as a Minister, the Deputy Speaker and then Speaker of the House.

“His tenure as a leader within Parliament helped to shape policy and legislation for the people of Bermuda.”

Mr DeCouto, who was 91, was appointed CBE by the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 1999 for his community work.

The father of three served as MP for the Smith’s North constituency between 1972 and 1993. He became the first Speaker of Portuguese descent in 1993, and held the position until 1998.