New Progressive Labour Party senator Kim Wilkerson formally made her Oath of Allegiance in the Senate Chamber yesterday to the applause of onlookers.

Senator Wilkerson fills the gap left by former Opposition Leader of the Senate Diallo Rabain, who took his place as an MP in the House of Assembly on Friday.

Mr Rabain was present in the Upper House yesterday morning as an onlooker, along with around a dozen members of the public.

Several senators congratulated her on her appointment during the session, noting that more females now sit in the Upper Chamber than males — something that has not happened since May 2011.

Senate Opposition Leader Marc Daniels said Senator Wilkerson’s experiences as a lawyer will provide the senate with another strong voice, particularly in the areas of immigration and international business.

Government Senator Jeff Baron meanwhile said it was significant that females outnumber males in the senate, noting that males still greatly outnumber females in legislative chambers internationally.

In her maiden speech, made during the Motion to Adjourn, Ms Wilkerson said that for her, the issue of immigration was one of the catalysts for her decision to enter the public service.

Noting that she had previously discussed the subject with Michael Fahy, the Minister of Home Affairs, Senator Wilkinson said that while she was on-board with the intent of policies preventing Bermuda running afoul of international human rights legislation, the timing and lack of consultation had sparked concerns.

“When I look around my community, I know about the levels of unemployment just within my own social circle and I know that people have uncertainties about their future,” she said.

“I’m talking about Bermudians who are highly qualified, who are experienced underwriters and traders, who have degrees in finance and economics who are uncertain about their future. When you juxtapose that with a policy which appears to be prioritising certainty for the future of a category of people who are residents of Bermuda, that’s when I say we really need to move carefully, slowly and methodically and look at the long-term impact of legislation.”

Speaking after the close of Senate, Senator Wilkerson said she is looking forward to representing both the public and the Progressive Labour Party.

“Everyone has been welcoming,” she said. “I have been really heartened by the genuineness of the welcome that I have gotten from all of the members across the board.”