A government senator and Junior Minister of National Security and Transport has been declared the candidate for the Progressive Labour Party in the by-election set for October 4 in Sandys North.

The Reverend Emily Gail Dill, who was appointed to the Senate in 2022, aims to hold the traditionally PLP seat of Constituency 36, which was vacated this month by the resignation from politics of government MP Kathy Lynn Simmons.

David Burt, the Premier, announced the move yesterday at party headquarters on Court Street.

It follows the One Bermuda Alliance unveiling former police officer Carl Neblett as its candidate, while Lieutenant Cire Bean, a Royal Bermuda Regiment officer, has thrown his hat in the ring as an independent contender.

The FDM will announce its candidate on Wednesday.

Unveiling Dr Dill as the candidate for Constituency 36 at Alaska Hall, Mr Burt ran through the former senator’s academic record before saying: “On October 4, we are calling on the people of Sandys North to help us to continue to make progress towards a better and fairer Bermuda and to elect Reverend Dr Emily Gail Dill as your next Member of Parliament.”

Dr Dill said that she accepted the nomination with gratitude and anticipation.

She said that she had always considered herself as a part of the Sandys family, spending much of her childhood in the parish and attending Sandys Secondary School.

She said that, as a woman, she had experienced the challenges of gender inequality and under-representation. “But I believe that our diversity is our strength,” she added.

“Women’s voices must be heard in the decision making process. As the female representative for Constituency 36, I carry the legacy of a former resident, the late Mrs Gladys Morrell.

“As leader of the women’s suffrage movement in Bermuda, she fought for 30 years for the right of women to vote. I stand proudly on her shoulders and declare my candidacy, knowing that her struggle paved the way for women like me to step forward and lead.”

Describing herself as a “mature” candidate, Dr Dill said that she regarded her age as a strength.

She said: ”I've spent decades serving our community, learning from our triumphs and setbacks, and building relationships that will allow me to hit the ground running.

“This experience has given me the wisdom to navigate complex issues, the depth of understanding to make informed decisions, and the maturity to bring people together.

“Throughout my journey, with God's guidance, I’ve built a proven track record of dedication and service. I’ve seen our community evolve and I’ve adapted alongside it.

“I’ve worked with people from all walks of life, learning from their diverse perspectives. I know what it takes to build coalitions, to find common ground, and to get things done.”

“As a minister, an educator and a resident of Sandys for the past 14 years, I know first-hand the challenges we face. But I also know our strengths — our resilience, our compassion, and our determination.

“I have seen the impact we can have when we work together, and it is my desire to join with the constituents of Sandys North to help set our community on a trajectory for continued success, unity and unprecedented positive outcomes.

“My experiences, both personal and professional, have honed my skills and equipped me to serve. From working with the World Council of Churches and engaging with global leaders in the fight for justice and equality, to guiding some of Bermuda's most challenged youths towards success, I am dedicated to service and transformation.”

Describing her tenure in the Upper House, she said: “I’ve worked with dedication alongside ministers and civil servants to address our community's pressing issues. But I know there is still more to be done.”

The church leader also insisted that she was not taking victory in the October 4 poll for granted.

Sandys North was comfortably won by Ms Simmons in the 2020 General Election when she secured 60 per cent of votes cast.

Dr Dill said: “I'm not just asking for and working for your vote; I'm asking for and working to earn your trust.

“Trust that I will use my voice to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced. Trust that I will work tirelessly to break down barriers and create opportunities for all.”

Dr Dill said that her priorities as an MP would be to help build better health and education systems, encourage business development, and advocate for environmental protection.

She said: “There is much more that needs to be done, but whether it is increasing seniors’ pensions annually to give them added security, introducing a minimum wage to raise the wages of our lowest-paid workers, expanding access to affordable childcare, building more affordable housing, or slashing taxes for 86 per cent of Bermudians, we have a vision, a plan and an agenda that is making progress towards a better, fairer Bermuda.

“Let’s work together to build a better tomorrow, where every Bermudian can thrive. Together we can, for ever we will.”

Sandys North was won by Ms Simmons in the 2020 General Election when the retired Attorney-General polled 431 votes, with Marc Bean, a former leader of the PLP and Free Democratic Movement founder, securing 185 votes, and OBA candidate Jeff Sousa picking up 114.