The Chief Minister has expressed the Island’s sympathy and sadness over the death of Robin Gibb.

The Manx born Bee Gee passed away on Sunday night aged 62 following a lengthy battle with cancer.

In a letter to his widow Dwina Gibb, Allan Bell says Robin Gibb was proud of the Isle of Man and the Isle of Man is proud of Robin Gibb.

Mr Bell says although he achieved success and fame at a global level, Robin never lost touch with his Manx roots and always found time to support the land of his birth, both on and off the Island. He cites raising funds for Rebecca House children’s hospice as a particularly valuable contribution.

He says on behalf of the government and people of the Island, thoughts are with the Gibb family at this difficult time.

Council leader David Christian has also paid tribute on behalf of the Council.

‘The Council was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Robin Gibb on whom, together with his brother Barry Gibb and their late brother Maurice, it was proud to confer the Honorary Freedom of the Borough in 2009.

‘Robin Gibb was not only a member of one of the world’s most famous singing groups, the Bee Gees, but also a supremely talented artist in his own right. He was also, together with his brother Barry and, in earlier times Maurice, an outstanding ambassador for the Isle of Man and enormously proud of his Manx roots.

‘Robin Gibb never forgot the land of his birth and we shall never forget this truly remarkable man who made a lasting contribution to popular music and to the global profile of the Isle of Man.’