HAMILTON, Bermuda, Oct 29, CMC -Premier David Burt has described as an “unimaginable tragedy” the death on Tuesday of his Junior Minister of Economy and Labour and Public Work, Leslie Robinson.
Burt said Bermuda “has lost an eminently qualified professional woman who had chosen public service in addition to a busy career in the private sector.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy which has shocked so many of us to the very core,” he said as he led the tributes for the 57-year-old legislator, adding “Leslie answered the call to serve without hesitation, and this exemplified her selfless nature and commitment to this community.
“It is heartbreaking to now mourn her loss, and I express sincere condolences to her family at this truly difficult time,” he added.
The cause of the death of Robinson, who was appointed to the Senate in November 2022 and given the role as the Junior Minister of Economy and Labour and Public Works, has not been disclosed.
She was also the senior vice-president, head of Underwriting and Claims at Willis Towers Watson, with more than 33 years of experience in the financial services sector in Bermuda.
She earned a Bachelor’s in Economics from Emory University and was also an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London. Robinson was appointed a Justice of the Peace for Bermuda in 2008.
Opposition Leader, Jarion Richardson said that before becoming involved in politics, he had worked alongside Robinson at the Bermuda Monetary Authority.
“She was clear, audacious and bold. She led her team with a professionalism that made her incredibly admirable. She often asked me deep, perceptive questions.
“I was encouraged when Senator Robinson joined the Senate. Although we would have differing perspectives, her keen insight and intellectual rigour would enhance the work of the Senate for the betterment of all Bermuda,” Richardson said, extending his “deepest sympathies and condolences” to her friends and family.
The leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Robin Tucker, said that despite being on opposite sides of the floor, she and Robinson shared a camaraderie outside politics.
“It was a privilege to have known and worked with her in the Senate. Although we did not always agree, once business was done for the day we often chatted about everything from politics to fashion. She will be a tremendous miss to all who were blessed to know her.”
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