Former PLP chairman David Burt and community activist Cromwell Shakir have said they are ready to take on their new roles as Government senators.

Premier Paula Cox selected the pair for the Upper House, along with BIU executive secretary LaVerne Furbert.

They replace former PLP Senators Thaao Dill, Walton Brown and Marc Bean.

Ms Cox said she’d been impressed by Sen. Burt’s professional expertise, Sen. Furbert’s frankness and Sen. Shakir’s devotion to the community.

Sen. Burt is to serve as the Premier’s chief of staff as well as her Junior Finance Minister.

Ms Cox said of Sen. Furbert: “She has been forthright. She feels politics and a commitment to the Country and to the PLP. She is prepared to advocate on behalf of the people of Bermuda.

“I’m seeking to harness her energy and deepen her public service.”

Sen. Burt said his experience with the business community will help him in his new role.

“My service on the executive of the Chamber of Commerce has provided a number of insights into the strengths and weaknesses of our domestic economy.

“We need to bring more capital to the Island to stimulate economic growth. The Premier is focused on economic growth — her reshuffle proves that — and I will do all that I can to lend assistance in this area.

“We need to build on the work already being done to bring increased investment in our Island. Increased investment provides jobs, and that’s what we will focus on. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to do just that.”

He said tourism has suffered because of the international economy, but praised former Premier and Transport Minister Ewart Brown for his efforts.

“We are in a very difficult period, but I think Dr. Brown did a lot for tourism in the worst global economic situation in 75 years.”

Sen. Burt said he would aim to bring substantive points to debates in the Upper House, while keeping focus on the people, not party politics.

“Politics is about people and their lives. We must resist the temptation to reduce debate to scoring political points.”

Sen. Shakir said he was surprised and honoured to be offered the position of senator.

“It was a complete shock. I didn’t expect it. I was honoured that the Premier even considered me.

“I am hopeful that I will be able to satisfy the trust that the Premier has put in me by naming me a senator.”

His plan, he said, is to work hard to help the Island move forward.

“I know the direction the Premier wants to go in, and I will do everything in my power to help.”

Sen. Furbert was contacted for comment in this story, but did not respond by press time.