The United Bermuda Party (UBP) parliamentary caucus met late this week to select their deputy leaders.

Party Leader Grant Gibbons yesterday confirmed that at a caucus vote Thursday, the UBP chose two deputy leaders, Erwin Adderley and David Dodwell, from a slate of three. Both MPs say they are excited at the opportunity to take some of the load off Dr. Gibbons who has opted for a flat management style in leading the Opposition Party.

Contrary to reports in the broadcast media last week, John Barritt, who unsuccessfully challenged Grant Gibbons for the leadership of the party, did not put his name forward for consideration.

The third candidate was Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, sister of former party leader Pamela Gordon.

The development marks another instalment of organisational changes that the party hopes will help restore its fortunes.

"We're going to get down to some hard work for the new parliamentary session," said Dr. Gibbons.

Dr. Gibbons told The Royal Gazette that he wanted two deputy leaders because of an anticipated heavy workload and a "keenness on my part to make sure everybody's involved and accountable".

The deputy leaders have clearly defined functions - shadow tourism minister David Dodwell will be responsible for organisation and development, while Mr. Adderley, shadow works and engineering minister, will be in charge of parliamentary affairs and outreach.

"I am looking forward to this a lot," Mr. Dodwell said. He explained that a major part of his role would be to recruit new faces to the party and help groom them for public service.

He said the "stigma of the UBP as being white, Front Street oriented" needed to change. "I don't believe that is the case, but clearly one of the ways to do that is to bring new faces whether it is candidates, volunteers or whatever. All of it will send a message to the community as a whole."

Mr. Dodwell will be working closely with party chairman Wayne Furbert, he said. He added that he is "extremely passionate" about the need to make the party "more reflective of the demographics of Bermuda."

"In my mind that is a must do and a can do," he said. "The other thing which is important is somehow to convince people that working with a party is not just about the party. It's about public service. It means mostly preparing them for service to their country."

Asked how he will go about reeling people in, he said that one on one contact will be his strongest modus operandi, but he will also be meeting with community groups and organisations.

"The other major point is I'll be listening for people's feedback as to how we can make the party more relevant," he added.

Mr. Adderley said his duties concerned maintaining effective communications. "We've lost some supporters not because of our programmes and policies but because of our inability to get our message out to the general public."

It was also important to listen to people and "addressing their concerns in a way that they feel they are being heard," he said.

"We are seen to be good on finance and the economy but we don't seem to be addressing social issues. I'm of the opinion that we have addressed them but it has not been communicated to the rank and file." He added that while he will be more visible in the community as a result of his new role, others will be playing their part too.

"Delivering the message is the responsibility for all of us," Mr. Adderley explained. "I have a role to play but it's part of an overall plan that involves a lot of people."