The Senate observed a moment of silence on Wednesday in memory of former senator and leader of government business, the late Mary-Clare Hurst, who died on May 5 following a period of illness.

Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant called for the tribute following the swearing-in ceremony at Parliament, describing Hurst as a figure whose contributions to the institution and to public life had shaped the path for women who followed her into the legislature.

“Her contributions in this house are well documented, and she has led the way for a lot of our women on, I’d imagine, every side, to understand their role and function as leaders in this country,” Williams-Grant said.

Hughes also paid tribute to the late Mary-Clare Hurst, reflecting on a long personal association that spanned the basketball association, the National Youth Council, and the political arena.

“Senator Hurst had a different style and brand of leadership, and she has been one that has been calm in nature but solid in her conviction,” he said. “I salute the late Senator Mary-Claire Hurst for her outstanding service to Antigua and Barbuda,” he said.

He added that whatever political differences may have existed, persons of Hurst’s standing in public service deserved recognition from all sides.

“Regardless of our political difference and difference of ideologies, one must always pay respect to persons who would have contributed in this Honourable House,” Senator Hughes said.

Hurst served as the first woman to hold the position of general secretary of the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party.

She also served as a government senator, deputy leader and leader of government business in the Senate, minister of state in the Ministry of Tourism and Economic Development, and chairwoman of the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority.

The government has accorded Hurst an official funeral with a service of thanksgiving for her life scheduled for June 2.