A pupil at Somerset Primary and Northlands Secondary schools. Attended the Bermuda Hotel and Catering College at Prospect and was a chef at the Henry VIII restaurant when he was 15.

Believes young people need a helping hand to find their way. His mentor was Wilfred Bean, who gave him a restaurant job while in his teens and encouraged him to attend the hotel training school.

“That helping hand from Wilfred was invaluable to me,” he says. “I will work to see that this community has more technical courses and work experience programmes with student apprentices working and learning within the business community. Education is key — it provides our young people with the knowledge and skills to earn a living.”

A life-long Sandys resident, Mr. Hassell says residents deserve an MP who listens to their concerns.

“I recently talked to a 77-year-old man who last had a visit from a politician in 1972. Not surprisingly, he had formed the opinion that politicians are interested in votes, not people. I want to change that perception of politicians. I want to serve the people.

“Some members of the present Government seem to value status above service. They forget that the tax dollars belong to the people.”

He wants to see more money for seniors’ healthcare and to stamp out the drugs dens in the parish.

“I will work to provide free prescription drugs and eyeglasses for seniors and a well-funded medical clinic in Somerset that will serve their needs as well as the needs of the wider community,” he said.

“I will promote a pro-active approach to dealing with drug-related crime in Bermuda.”

Goals for Sandys:

* Improve the quality of life for seniors with free preventative and basic health care at Somerset medical clinic.

* Promote technical education in the school system and encourage businesses to take on students as apprentices.

* Work with Bermuda Police Service to eliminate drug dens and increase patrols in the parish.

* Upgrade the facilities at Long Bay Beach with proper restrooms and changing facilities.