Former Berkeley Institute principal Michelle Simmons has been appointed an independent Senator.

Ms Simmons joins Joan Dillas-Wright and James Jardine as the independents in the Upper House after Carol Bassett, President of the Senate since 2008 and a senator since 2003, retired.

In a statement, Governor John Rankin said: “I am grateful to each of the independent senators for their willingness to serve.

“Carol Bassett, who has served as President of the Senate since 2008, is retiring after 14 years of devoted and selfless service to the Bermuda Parliament.

“On behalf of my predecessors as Governor and myself, I am grateful for all of her commitment to the work of the Senate throughout her period of office.”

Ms Simmons was Berkeley principal for 20 years and was also involved in education in Britain, Nigeria and at the Bermuda High School for Girls.

Responding today, the Board of Governors of the Berkeley Institute paid congratulations to Ms Simmons.

“Ms Simmons has had a distinguished career in the community particularly in education as the first woman to hold the substantive post of principal of our alma mater,” the board stated.

“The Berkeley family wishes Ms Simmons well as she discharges this awesome responsibility as a legislator.”