Gina Spence Farmer was appointed a United Bermuda Party senator yesterday, despite her employer Bermuda College barring its staff from political office.

Mrs. Spence Farmer, a UBP candidate for the next General Election, has been at the centre of a storm over her plans to sit in the Upper House in recent weeks.

The College has refused to allow her to take time in lieu to sit in the Senate on Wednesdays, a stance that UBP Leader Grant Gibbons has branded "absolutely disgraceful" and believes is politically motivated.

Announcing the appointment Announcing the appointment yesterday, Dr. Gibbons said Mrs. Spence Farmer would replace Senator Kenneth Bascome, who wishes to spend more time with his constituents.

?I am still hopeful that we can reach a satisfactory arrangement with the College, so that Gina is able to continue to do the job that she loves but also serve her country in the Senate,? he said.

With a background in youth work, Mrs. Spence Farmer is likely to become a speaker for the party on the issue of youth development, he added.

Mrs. Spence Farmer said: ?The path I have walked since I became an approved candidate has not been easy, but I must answer the call because evil flourishes when good men stand by and do nothing.?

Explaining that the issues of affordable housing, violence, teenage pregnancy and the decline of spiritual values are threatening the Bermuda she loves, she continued: ? I don?t confess to be perfect, nor do I profess to have all the answers, but I do believe that if you take on the role of serving this country on any level then you?d better be prepared to be held accountable, make sacrifices, and stand on solid principles.?

The new senator is a former post-lady, who is the founder of Gina Spence Productions in Christ. She has her roots in the Warwick area, comes from a family of 13 children, and spent most of her formative years in foster homes.

She vowed: ?I will not forget where I have come from, or the people from all of the youth groups, churches, schools and the performing arts that I have been privileged to serve.?

When questioned about her status at Bermuda College, where she is a counsellor, she confirmed that she was still working there and that her case was being dealt with by the Bermuda Public Services Union, of which she is a member.

Mrs. Spence Farmer will be officially sworn in as senator on Friday, and will join fellow UBP senators Kim Swan and Bob Richards in the Upper House.