Antigua and Barbuda’s Senate paused Wednesday to honour the late former senator Mary Claire Hurst, with tributes from both government and opposition members during the ceremonial opening of the Upper House.

Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant led the chamber in a moment of silence for Hurst, describing her as “a stalwart of Antigua and Barbuda in the civic service” whose contributions to Parliament were “well documented.”

“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.

“We know we will miss her. And we pay tribute to her today and honor her and we say thank you for all that she’s done for this institution and this country of Antigua and Barbuda,” the Senate President added.

Senate Minority Leader Chester Hughes also delivered an emotional tribute, recalling Hurst’s service in sports, youth development and politics.

“She has been one who has been calm in nature, but solid in her conviction,” Hughes said.

Hughes said he had served alongside Hurst in the Basketball Association and National Youth Council and praised her role in helping return the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party to office in 2014.

“She led the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party back to power in 2014 and made tremendous sacrifice as a member of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party,” he said.

The opposition senator said political differences should never overshadow service to the country.

“Regardless of our political difference and difference of ideologies, one must always pay respect to persons who would have contributed in this honorable house,” Hughes told senators.

Hughes added that Hurst’s passing came shortly after she saw her party returned to office once again.

“I said she made sure that she lived to see her party back in power,” he said.

The Senate tribute formed part of Wednesday’s swearing-in ceremony for senators appointed following the April 30 general election.