Gazette today turns the spotlight on the youngest MP Mr. Tim Smith, a backbencher and representative for Paget West.

*** Being the youngest member of the current House of Assembly, the top man at A.F. Smith Trading, and a newlywed may seem to be a plateful for most.

But as an incurable optimist, 31-year-old Paget West MP Mr. Tim Smith is just taking it all in stride.

He holds dear the motto of his alma mater, Warwick Academy -- `Quo Non Ascendum' -- to what heights you might ascend.

And such an attitude has helped the young Bermudian succeed academically, professionally, and politically.

The former Warwick Academy head boy, successfully completed Saltus Grammar's senior programme before going on to the University of Richmond, Virginia where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing.

His political career began at age 23, when served with Young United Bermuda -- the United Bermuda Party youth wing which later became Leaders of Tomorrow.

Shortly afterward, Mr. Smith said he became involved with United Bermuda Party at the branch level and became deputy chairman of the party two years ago.

When asked what motivated him to get into politics, Mr. Smith did not give the typical answer.

"I just had this inate feeling that I wanted to participate,'' he said.

"I'm not an observer of the future, nor am I an ideologue about the future or philosopher of the future. I believe I'm simply part of the future and I wish to encourage many other people to be as enthusiastic about the future as I am.

"I've never believed in sitting on the sidelines and observe the future as it goes by. I have a sincere interest in being a part of it.'' This is confirmed by his involvement in non-political groups such as Keep Bermuda Beautiful, the National Trust, and the anti-drug group ORSHAD.

Born and raised at Ord Road, Paget, to a family of modest means, Mr. Smith said he and others living in the area realised the need to re-claim the neighbourhood that had become prey for drug dealers.

Residents banned together and formed a vigilante watchdog group to stamp out the plague.

And Mr. Smith said the clean-up of the Paget area can serve as an example to other drug-plagued areas of Bermuda.

"I feel passionate about how serious our drug problem is and I believe the only way it will truly be resolved is by full community involvement,'' he said. "Although we're not active now, symbolically we've had a tremendous affect on the neighbourhood and Bermuda in general.

"We have shown we can do something. The street is considerably improved today.

"I think we can now successfully move to the next level which is a national drug strategy that encourages other neighbourhoods to do the same thing we did.'' In addition to their desire to see drug use stamped out, Mr. Smith said the people of Paget West and Bermuda want to be assured that there is continued opportunity.

"Their most important concern is the future for their children and grandchildren,'' he said. "They want to ensure that the future is bright for their children.'' And the new MP, who has no time for giving up or looking back, said he believes that with a sound education policy and a sound economy Bermuda can "deliver anyone's success''.

As chief operating officer of A.F. Smith Trading, Mr. Smith puts in 11-hour days which involve constant meetings with some of the company's 45 employees.

And while he constantly interacts with employees and makes decisions based on their ideas, Mr. Smith made it clear that he is a no-nonsense employer and has "very little tolerance for inefficiency''.

When he is not on the job or attending political or social meetings, Mr. Smith said he likes to go home to his wife Sue and put his feet up, but he does not get the opportunity to do that often.

Mr. Smith also enjoys playing tennis, volley ball, soft ball, and hockey when time permits.

Reflecting on his life, he said: "My life is where I need it to be, where I want it to be. Now there's just a great deal of responsibility attached to it and I have to take that responsibility very seriously.

"I have not been able to do anything without the wonderful support of my family. I understand the sacrifices that my parents had to make''.

"I probably got my high drive from my parents,'' he said. "Both my mother and father worked when I was growing up.'' Dispelling the myth that all white Bermudians with the surname Smith come from wealth, Mr. Smith said both of his parents worked hard to put five children through college.

The second youngest of the five and a twin, Mr. Smith recalled that he rarely saw his father who worked at Purvis Limited until about 10 p.m.

Mr. Tim Smith MP.