The Chief of Staff in the Premier’s office has been revealed as the Progressive Labour Party candidate for Devonshire North West (Constituency 14).

Alexa Lightbourne is also the head of operations and strategy for the Office of the Premier.

The graduate of The Berkeley Institute was introduced by David Burt at a press conference at Alaska Hall this morning, surrounded by her friends and family.

The Premier welcomed her to “the front line”.

Ms Lightbourne, who was raised in Devonshire, said that her ethos was entrenched in “putting the needs of my community above my own”.

She added: “Above all, I'm a self servant, a public servant, and willing and committed to service.

“My journey has been fuelled by a lifelong commitment to service to my community, my country, to the people.

“I am deeply committed to spirituality, equality and justice, and an opportunity for all Bermudians.”

She said today’s environment is one where “moral consciousness has been sacrificed for individualism and masked agendas”.

Ms Lightbourne added: “I am here because I refuse to allow the sacrifices of those who fought for our place at the table, women and Black Bermudians alike, to be forgotten or rendered in vain.”

Mr Burt described Ms Lightbourne as “a young Bermudian leader who embodies the energy, drive and dedication needed to represent the people of Constituency 14”.

He said she spearheaded critical government initiatives, improving efficiency, transparency and operational excellence.

Ms Lightbourne has a law degree from the University of Westminster, in England, and a degree in politics and international relations from Queen Mary University of London.

David Rogers is running in Constituency 14 for the One Bermuda Alliance while Noelle Young is running there as an independent.

Wayne Caines held Devonshire North West in the 2020 General Election with 454 votes to the 222 secured by Catherine Kempe, of the One Bermuda Alliance.

He was first voted into the House of Assembly in 2017.

It was announced this week that Mr Caines, a former national security minister, would step away from politics.

Ms Lightbourne expressed gratitude to Mr Burt, as well as Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier, for their confidence in her candidacy.

She also thanked the branch of Constituency 14, the party, its executive and its members.

Ms Lightbourne acknowledged and thanked Mr Caines, whom she said had served in the seat with “selfless dedication” over the past eight years.

She was also grateful to Paula Cox, a former premier, for believing in her talents, and for her “leadership, sacrifice and love for Bermuda”.

Ms Lightbourne said she was shaped by the village that raised her.

She added: “To know me is to know my work.

“I was instrumental in the PLP’s 2017 and 2020 election victories, and played a pivotal role in enshrining the women’s caucus into our party’s constitution among numerous other roles — always in the shadows but driven by the belief that service to something bigger than me was my mandate

“Before returning home to Bermuda, I built a career as a strategic consultant and supported governments in the US and the Caribbean and on many community executive bodies.”

Ms Lightbourne has served in the private and public sector and is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, an organisation founded by 22 women who made sacrifices to secure voting rights for women.

Highlighting that they, as Black women, did not get to enjoy the vote until 52 years after the organisation was founded, she said: “This is a true example of self-sacrifice and shared sacrifice.

“In Bermuda we are facing challenging times, and too many of our people are feeling frustrated.

“No government is perfect but what is unshakeable is our moral foundation and commitment to do better.

“I am proud that the PLP has implemented policies that have improved the lives of Bermudians.”

She highlighted the party’s efforts such as increasing seniors’ pensions, introducing the minimum wage, expanding childcare tax credit and building 70 affordable homes.

Ms Lightbourne added: “This upcoming election is about a choice.

“Beyond the PLP’s track record of improving the lives of Bermudians, this election is a choice of more alignment.

“What drives me to step out of the shadows is a commitment of advancing the ideals that our ancestors fought for.”

She encouraged residents to "draw strength from the memory of 1998”.

In reference to the PLP’s historical victory, she added: “That euphoria from knowing that our leaders understood and would fight for us, and fight for what is possible — if we have that fight and we have our renewed sense, we can have that commitment to unwavering purpose …

“I stand on the shoulders of trailblazing women in the PLP such as Ann Pindor, Dame Lois Browne-Evans, Dame Jennifer Smith and Paula Cox, who too answered the call to serve and invest in a better Bermuda.

“Let us resist the urge to cannibalise our ideals or succumb to fear.

“Instead, let’s refocus on this journey to secure the future we all deserve.”

Ms Lightbourne fought back tears as she thanked her friends and “village of colleagues” for supporting her as she contemplated standing.

She added: “To the residents of Devonshire North West, from Cedar Park, Devonshire Rec, to Evening Light Pentecostal Church, to Montpelier Road to Berry Hill, I look forward to connecting with you and getting to further understand your needs.”