Cynics might say that Health and Social Services Minister Nelson Bascome is a living contradiction: A politician genuinely interested in community service.

But less jaded locals who embrace Premier Jennifer Smith's concept of a "New Bermuda'' would say Mr. Bascome's commitment to social development represents an example of the best that the Progressive Labour Party has to offer.

Mr. Bascome is one of the PLP's most popular MPs. His strong ties to the community and extensive involvement in social work have earned him a reputation as a politician who is more interested in people than self-aggrandisement.

Many suggest his credibility stems from a willingness to "get things done'' rather than just talking about policy.

And an obviously inspired and excited Mr. Bascome spoke with The Royal Gazette about his plans for the challenging Ministry.

"This Ministry is the pulse of the country...this is me. I'm elated and willing to serve,'' he said.

"It's very interesting having been employed by this Ministry (during the 1980s) and now to come back in a policy-making position...I'm very comfortable and I know I have support,'' he said.

"There are some areas where we need to get the lead out, but on the whole, I'm very proud and blessed to serve my country in this capacity.'' Mr. Bascome has his work cut out for him as the new Health and Social Services Minister -- a vitally important ministry which covers the top issues in Bermuda: housing, drugs, and care of the elderly.

On the issue of elder care, Mr. Bascome said his first area of attack was to revamp and refurbish the Island's rest homes.

"Those who have come before us and paved the way and made it possible need to be revered... and our current rest home situation is drastic,'' he said.

Mr. Bascome said he planned to create more programmes and "recreational therapy'' for the elderly population.

He also supports more community involvement, and stated: "A lot of the elderly are left to vegetate, and they need stimulation.'' As for the vexed housing issue, Mr. Bascome stated: "We're looking at providing, through negotiations with other Ministers, affordable rental units and developing an emergency housing system.'' He said he will be revamping plans for the former US base lands properties and looking into whether former Minister Wayne Furbert's plan of building new units is a feasible one.

"I haven't met with the officials at the Housing Corporation, but I will be talking about those types of initiative because it doesn't make sense for us to run the system the way Government has in the past,'' said Mr. Bascome.

"I want some houses and I want them now -- I have a meeting today to strategise about units that could be made available to bring online as soon as possible.'' The drug abuse problem in the community is an issue close to Mr. Bascome's heart -- especially because of the drug rehabilitation work he has done with the Salvation Army.

"The rehabilitation of our citizens who have become addicted to drugs is at the forefront of my experience,'' he said.

"We are going to develop a treatment facility that will provide a continuum of care to those addicts,'' he added.

And Mr. Bascome alluded to changes made to the Ministry and some departments to create better and more efficient links to the community -- which he said he hoped would be accomplished with a minimum of legislative red tape.

When Premier Smith announced her new cabinet, few were surprised at Mr.

Bascome's appointment to the Health and Social Services Ministry -- his schooling and experience seemed eminently well-suited to the position.

Mr. Bascome, a former Prospect Primary and Whitney student, attended the Bermuda College before graduating from the Kerpel School of Dental Technology as a qualified dental technician.

After returning home for a few months, Mr. Bascome decided he wanted a different kind of career and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Morgan State University.

Back home for good he worked for the Ministry of Health and Social Service for nine years -- starting as a resident care worker before becoming the first social worker at the Bermuda Housing Corporation.

While working in Social Services, Mr. Bascome started his Masters degree -- eventually combining work at Indiana University and (Webster University) to earn a degree in Human Resource. Becoming the new Minister is not without its sacrifices, however -- Mr. Bascome confirmed he will be stepping down as vice chair of both the Bermuda Social Work Council and the Bermuda Certification Board to avoid a conflict of interests.

And Mr. Bascome also recently announced that he will leave his job at the Salvation Army at the end of the month to avoid any conflict of interest.

NELSON BASCOME -- His strong ties to the community and extensive involvement in social work have earned him a reputation as a politician who is more interested in people than self-aggrandisement.