One Bermuda Alliance Senator Vic Ball, who was sworn in yesterday, believes that attracting foreign investment will be key to boosting employment in Bermuda.

Senator Ball has replaced Nalton Brangman, who stepped down from the role this week to focus his energies on the Morgan’s Point development.

Asked about the OBA’s plans to cut costs in the civil service, Senator Ball told The Royal Gazette: “The OBA is actively trying to get foreign investment to the country which is going to assist with jobs.

“The Government at this point is not able to create jobs within [government] because we are broke, but I believe that the OBA is working actively to attract foreign investment to create jobs.”

Senator Ball, a partner at Strategic Procurement Solutions (SPS), is new to politics but said he was “not new to taking on innovative challenges”.

Prior to his position at SPS, he was the principal purchasing and supply officer for the Ministry of Public Works for eight years. He was also seconded to the Ministry of Finance’s Office of Project Management and Procurement to serve as procurement officer. He has international experience having worked for Flextronics Global Procurement.

While in government he saved in excess of $8 million over various contracts and continues to offer business advice.

Senator Ball said he was driven to enter politics to help the country economically.

He said: “With Bermuda in the position that it is in economically, I think about the future of my young children aged five and two. Rather than do nothing, I decided I would enter into the political realm and try to assist others for a better future not only for my children but for all the children of Bermuda. I am going to get up to speed first but I certainly want to get persons employed and continue with the current recovery.

“I’m sure there are some transferable skills I will be able to draw from my background in the government and the workings of the government over the past eight years.”

Premier Michael Dunkley in his speech at the swearing in ceremony at Government House welcomed “a fresh new face on the political scene.”

He said: “I’ve known the family for a long period of time and I want to take this opportunity to thank you for supporting your husband, your son and your father in his political endeavour.

“If we don’t have good people willing to stand up we will not progress forward and I am pleased to welcome to our strong team today Vic Ball. Vic, I have every confidence in your ability to represent the people of Bermuda. You and I have had many discussions about what needs to be done and how we are going to get it done so welcome to the team.”