A former senator is to return to the Upper House and is the new Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.

The appointment of Kim Wilkerson, a veteran of the insurance industry, was announced during a ceremony at Government House yesterday.

Meanwhile, Crystal Caesar and Jache Adams, both Progressive Labour Party MPs, became Minister for the Cabinet Office and Junior Minister of Finance, respectively.

Rena Lalgie, the Governor, made the appointments.

Ms Wilkerson, who became a senator for the PLP in 2016 until the dissolution of Parliament in June 2017, replaces the Reverend Emily Gail Dill in the Upper House.

Dr Dill is the PLP candidate in next month’s by-election for Sandys North.

Ms Wilkerson took over as the Government’s principal legal adviser after the resignation of Kathy-Lynn Simmons as Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Reform, which was announced on August 5.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, was sworn in as Attorney-General on August 7.

About three weeks later, on August 29, it was announced that she relinquished the responsibility and Cindy Clarke, the Director of Public Prosecutions, was appointed as Acting Attorney-General.

David Burt thanked Ms Simmons, who served in the post for more than seven years.

The Premier said during her time as Attorney-General, the Government enacted key legal reforms such as roadside sobriety testing and the strengthening of laws related to sexual offences against children.

Mr Burt said Ms Wilkerson was a highly respected leader in the community who brought a wealth of experience from the private sector to the Cabinet.

He said: “Her career in the insurance industry spanning over 30 years and her deep legal expertise make her uniquely qualified for her new role.”

The Premier said Ms Wilkerson had expressed a clear vision for her tenure as Attorney-General.

He added: “She is committed to ensuring that our justice system becomes less punitive, more restorative and more accessible.

“This approach will be crucial as the Government continues its work to a more just and equitable society for all Bermudians.”

Mr Burt said Ms Caesar, who has served as the Government’s MP for Southampton West Central since 2020, had a distinguished career in financial services, having held posts in the private and public sector.

He added: “Her commitment to service extends beyond her professional career as she has served on numerous boards and commissions.

“The Cabinet will benefit from her overarching commitment to ensuring that Bermudians benefit from changes to legislation and that government services are more accessible for Bermuda’s residents.”

The Premier said Mr Adams, the MP for Pembroke West who has served as an adviser to Mr Burt in his role as the Minister of Finance, had advanced important government initiatives.

They included the mortgage guarantee programme, which, he said, helped dozens of Bermudians start on the path to home ownership, as well as pension reform.

Mr Burt said: “Having served under two ministers of finance and advancing numerous policies that have benefited Bermudians, MP Adams has earned this promotion.”

The Premier said that on Friday, Mr Adams will table legislation in the House of Assembly to allow Bermudians to access their pension savings to place a down payment for a home.

He added: “I speak for the Cabinet when I say that we are excited to work with AG Wilkerson, minister Caesar and junior minister Adams in their new roles as the Government continues to deliver on the progressive agenda that we were elected to advance.”

Mr Burt said that over the past six weeks, while the House was in recess, ministers were busy.

He said the Cabinet would meet today to give final approval to the midyear budget review, which he noted is to deliver investment in additional resources for critical social services, education, mental health, public safety and community infrastructure.

Ms Wilkerson said she was honoured to take on her new role.

She told the gathering: “I am grateful for the trust that the Premier and Deputy Premier have put in me for carrying out this portfolio.

“I am very interested in seeing reform to our justice system.”

Ms Caesar pledged to work in the interest of residents and the Government.

She added: “I am dedicated to ensuring that the very services that the Government provides are accessible to all that need them.

“There is much work to be done. I look forward to taking on the challenge and I thank the Premier for his faith in me, my ability, my experience and my talents.”

Mr Adams said satisfaction in his new role would come from “doing the job”.

He added: “From rolling up my sleeves and working tirelessly to improve the lives of the people of this country, this is a calling I take seriously and I pledge to give it my all.”

Mr Adams thanked his family, the Premier, the PLP and supporters, among others, for having faith in him.

“Rest assured, in this capacity, I am committed to doing my part in building a better Bermuda,” he added.