A mother of five who enjoys coaching youth football has been named as the Progressive Labour Party candidate for Pembroke South West in the next General Election.

Iesha Musson will campaign for Constituency 20, with plans to address issues facing seniors and youth as key areas of her campaign.

David Burt, the Premier, made the announcement at Alaska Hall yesterday.

Ms Musson said she wished to see change and progress in the community.

She added: “I am a mother who works to make it happen.

“My passions are youth development and family preservation and I am active in the community, advocating for that daily.”

She said: “Working with a PLP team which understands that times are hard and is working constantly to make things better for all is why I am grateful to stand as a candidate today.”

Ms Musson, who coaches at X-Roads Football Club, said she was “strong-minded” and would ensure that her constituents’ voices were heard.

She said the main issues facing Pembroke South West were comparable to those across the island, such as education and health.

Ms Musson said the majority of voters in Constituency 20 were seniors, with their healthcare needs among issues she planned to address.

Susan Jackson, of the One Bermuda Alliance, won in Pembroke South West in 2020, netting 79 per cent of the votes.

Ms Musson said that although the OBA won that year, she was “very optimistic” and willing to do the work.

“I think the last election in 2020 shows that there is no such thing as a safe seat,” she added.

Looking at her past, she said she was once considered an “at-risk youth” but initiatives such as the Mirrors Programme played a pivotal role in helping her to pursue a more successful path.

Mr Burt said Ms Musson possessed “incredible commitment” and compassion as he expressed confidence in her candidacy.

He said: “Iesha’s journey is one that reflects the values we hold dear as a party and as a country.

“I see someone who represents the next generation of leaders on our island, who understands that leadership is about service.”

Mr Burt said the party had a full list of 36 candidates to contest the election.

He said the PLP had other candidates to roll out leading up to February 18.