Newly appointed Senator Georgia Marshall has pledged to be a “positive force” in Bermuda politics as she prepares to assume her position in the Senate this week.

Mrs Marshall was sworn in as part of the One Bermuda Alliance Senate team by Governor George Fergusson at Government House yesterday.

The lawyer and mother-of-two said she was ready to “roll up her sleeves” and work with Senators on both sides of political table for the benefit of Bermuda. Mrs Marshall told The Royal Gazette that her unsuccessful attempt to run for Parliament in Sandys South had given her a new insight into the issues affecting Bermudians and she vowed to use that experience in her new Senate role.

“Running for Parliament was a baptism of fire for me,” said Mrs Marshall.

“Constituency 33 is a very interesting area, I enjoyed the canvassing process and I met a lot of wonderful people.

“It also highlighted the issues that really affect people in a way I had not seen before.

“You get a front-line view of what is important to people: they want security, they want to know they can have a reasonable standard of living when they work hard and they want to know there is a future for their children, whether its jobs or education.”

Mrs Marshall replaces former OBA Senator Alexis Swan who stepped down from her position at the end of last month.

She added: “My desire is to be a positive force in Bermuda politics.

“It wasn’t a difficult decision to make at all when the opportunity arose.

“It will result in some sacrifices but I am at the ready and willing to pull up my sleeves and work hard.

“I have been very active with the family law amendments that Justice Wade-Miller and her committee have been looking at, and that is something I would like to throw my weight and energy behind.”

Yesterday’s swearing in ceremony also saw MP Nandi Outerbridge appointed as the new Junior Minister for Community, Culture and Sports.

The announcements were made in front the OBA’s Senate team and cabinet, as well as family and friends of Mrs Marshall and Mrs Outerbridge.

Premier Michael Dunkley said: “I am very excited today to have two outstanding females who have come forward to play their part in politics.

“Georgia got involved in politics and contested a very difficult seat.

“She is relatively new in terms of politics, but if we are going to expect Government to operate at the highest level we need people to step forward.

“I am pleased she has stepped forward and she has accepted the invitation to sit in the Senate.

“I believe her background, character and knowledge means she will ably sit in the Senate.”

Mrs Outerbridge said the move to Junior Minister for Community, Culture and Sports was a “natural fit” given her background in athletics.

“I am honoured and humbled to serve in this capacity and look forward to working with Pat Gordon-Pamplin.”

Mr Dunkley described Ms Outerbridge as part of the “leadership of tomorrow” and hailed her commitment to her St George’s constituency.

He added: “We all know we face a very difficult time, but where there is a will there is a way.

“We have demonstrated we have the will and the way, and we need more people to step forward and get involved.

“The more good people we have the better decisions we will make.”