The last of the creators of the Progressive Labour Party, who helped end racial segregation and secure the vote for every Bermudian, has been mourned by the party.

David Burt, the Premier, said Eldridge Eugene Woods was “a man whose unwavering commitment to justice, equality and democracy helped lay the foundation for modern Bermuda”.

He added: “Mr Woods was a giant in Bermuda’s history. His courage and conviction helped shape the Bermuda we know today.

“The freedoms and rights we often take for granted were hard-fought by men and women like Mr Woods, who refused to accept injustice.”

Mr Woods, 89, was also a member of the Progressive Group, whose 1959 Theatre Boycotts brought down racial segregation in Bermuda’s hotels and restaurants, as well as cinemas.

He initiated and planned the boycott alongside Vera and Rudolph Commissiong, Izola and Gerald Harvey, William Francis, Florenz and Clifford Maxwell, Stanley Ratteray, Marva Phillips, Esme and Lancelot Swan, Erskine Simmons, Clifford Wade, Edouard and Rosalind Williams, Coolridge Williams and William Walwyn.

Group members were recognised on the 40th anniversary of the boycott with the Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour.

Mr Woods, an electrical technician, was among those who gathered in private to research and create the PLP in 1963.

He became a public relations officer for the fledgeling party and went on to serve as PLP chairman.

Dawn Simmons, the party chairwoman, said: “He was a man of principle and purpose, whose tireless efforts helped dismantle the barriers of segregation and injustice.

“His leadership, wisdom and sacrifice paved the way for generations to follow.”

The party said his life stood as “one of service, sacrifice and an unyielding belief in a better Bermuda”.

Mr Woods studied radio and worked in broadcasting before opening his own business in the field.

He threw himself into the cause of trade unionism and served as a general secretary in the Bermuda Industrial Union.

His role with the Progressive Group remained a secret for decades while the group kept its anonymity — but his stance on human rights was well known from his work on the Committee for Universal Adult Suffrage.

Mr Woods was also a founding member of the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association and the Professional Tennis Association.