Mischa Fubler was sworn in as a Junior Minister of the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Public Works at Government House this afternoon.

The Progressive Labour Party election candidate, who was sworn in as a government senator by Rena Lalgie, the Governor, on Wednesday, assumed the role with immediate effect.

Mr Fubler, a father, heads a team of software developers at a Bermudian-based international reinsurance company as the assistant vice-president of applications and management information.

A graduate of CedarBridge Academy, Mr Fubler gained a bachelor’s degree in urban studies at York University in Toronto, Canada, and has a master of science degree in information systems from Brooklyn College in New York.

Mr Fubler thanked his family for their support.

He said that in addition to his educational and professional experience, he brings strong social justice leanings.

He said: “They form the core of my ethos as I operate and navigate these political seas.”

He said his experience in urban planning would be useful in the Ministry of Public Works as he advocates for more spaces for social gatherings.

He explained: “At York, urban studies is built as a city planning and sociology mix, so I learnt how cities have developed over time, both in size and complexity, as well as how land zone use and architectural design can influence how people interact with the city.”

He gave the example of opening sidewalks to restaurants, and said his social justice background would guide him in reducing “hostile” public spaces such as slanted benches or spiked areas aimed at deterring the homeless.

“I am interested in green space and third spaces — semi public/private spaces where people can congregate, like public parks or the social area in malls, food courts and that type of thing.

“Having third spaces in the city increases the number of people being there, which has a knock-on effect on improving the economy.”

Speaking of parking in congested areas such as the City of Hamilton, he said he was more interested in modernising public transport than increasing parking spaces.

Asked whether his IT experience could help against cybercrime, he said: “Cybercrime is not my expertise within IT but from collaboration and hands-on work, I understand that the information security risk space is a thing of not if, but when, so it is important that you are preparing for contingency.

“A lot of the work that my team does is carry out the disaster recovery planning and testing to ensure that organisation operation can continue when, not if, that information security attack occurs.”

David Burt, the Premier, introduced Mr Fubler to the ceremony as “a man after my own heart” from his experience in science and information systems.

Mr Burt, who has a master’s degree in information systems, pointed out that the Department of Information and Digital Technologies falls under the Cabinet Office.

He added: “Senator Fubler’s journey is a testament to the power of education and community engagement.

“Professionally, Mr Fubler has made contributions in the field of technology, leading a team of software developers.

“His expertise in this critical sector underscores his ability to think strategically and also to deliver results.”

He said Mr Fubler brought a fresh perspective for innovation on the Government’s operational priorities and infrastructure

Mr Burt said he could help in “the myriad of IT challenges that the Government goes through as we are pledging digital transformation”.

Mr Fubler volunteers for youth outreach programmes as well as for organisations such as Social Justice Bermuda.

He was announced in September as a PLP contender for Southampton East Central at the next General Election.

He previously ran as a candidate in the by-election for Smith’s South in October 2023, when he was beaten by Ben Smith, of the One Bermuda Alliance.

His appointment to the Upper House came after the death of government senator Leslie Robinson.