The longest serving alderman in St. George?s, Kenneth Bascome, has been appointed Deputy Mayor in recognition of his service to the community.

Newly elected Mayor Mariea Caisey announced he was to be her number two during a swearing-in session of aldermen and councillors at the Town Hall.

Ms Caisey, who won last Thursday?s election by three votes, said she had faith in Mr. Bascome who has in previous years stepped up temporarily to the deputy role.

?His is the senior alderman and he has filled in for me when I was deputy mayor,? said Ms Caisey, who asked Reverend Deyone Douglas, Pastor of St Luke AME Church in St. David?s, to witness the official swearing-in at the Town Hall.

Former senator Mr. Bascome, who joined the Corporation in 1994 as a councillor before stepping up in subsequent elections to be an alderman, said he was appreciative of Ms Caisey for appointing him as deputy and he was looking forward to getting to work overseeing streets, sewage and sanitation matters in the town.

He previously held the same areas of responsibility before a re-shuffle last year under previous Mayor E. Michael Jones? tenure.

?I?m more than happy that Ms Caisey has given me back the streets, sewage and sanitation. I have a good idea of what needs to be done for the betterment of the community,? said Mr. Bascome.

He added: ?I?m humbled that the voters saw fit to return me to the Corporation once again, and I?m confident that we will fulfil most, if not all, of the issues they have asked us to deal with.?

Also at the swearing-in session were fellow alderman Beau Evans and common councillors Dr. Erskine Simmons and E. Anna Perry-Smith.

The line-up of newly-elected Corporation members is completed by alderman Edward Benevides and councillors Clarence Minors and Jill Raine. There is one final vacant councillor seat to be filled. Candidates must put their names forward by the nominations closing date of February 9. If there is more than one candidate an election for the seat will take place on February 16.

Ms Caisey said the aldermen would be arranging their sub-meetings before the new councillor arrives. The first general meeting of the Corporation is scheduled for February 22.