A One Bermuda Alliance election candidate was named this morning as the latest addition to the Senate.

David Rogers will sit for the Opposition in the Upper House, replacing Dion Smith, who resigned the post owing to work commitments.

Mr Rogers ran as the OBA candidate for Devonshire North West (Constituency 14) in the General Election last year. He came second with 204 votes to Alexa Lightbourne who won with 300 votes.

A party spokeswoman said: “Raised in Devonshire, he spent his formative years living in Sousa Estate, where he continues to reside.

“His upbringing was shaped by a strong sense of community and service, instilled by his parents.”

She added that Mr Rogers’s father, with whom he shares a name, is a Seventh-Day Adventist minister, and his mother Joan “dedicated her career to public service” in human resources, tourism and in the police service.

Mr Rogers attended the Bermuda Institute, Andrews University in Michigan and the University of Stuttgart in Germany.

“Throughout his career, Mr Rogers has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Bermuda’s healthcare sector,” the OBA spokeswoman said.

“Starting as a summer student in the hospital laboratory, he gained hands-on experience in transfusion and haematology before becoming a medical group underwriter.

“He went on to serve as the clinical laboratory manager at Hope Healthcare and later contributed to the Bermuda Health Council as a policy analyst and project manager.

“His diverse professional background equips Mr Rogers with a unique perspective and a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing Bermuda today.

“His deep passion for healthcare and reform makes him exceptionally qualified to lead efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of all Bermudians.”

Mr Rogers said that it was his experience in and passion for healthcare provision that moved him to enter politics.

He added: “Our healthcare system is clearly struggling and needs urgent focus, to ensure meaningful care is provided to all our people in need.”

Of his new role, Mr Rogers said: “I accept this appointment with humility and a strong sense of responsibility, and I am honoured to serve Bermuda in this capacity.

“My background in healthcare, along with the many conversations I have had with the residents of Constituency 14, has reinforced the importance of strengthening our island’s healthcare system and addressing the very real challenges facing families across Bermuda.

“I look forward to contributing thoughtfully to the work of the Senate and working in the best interests of all Bermudians.”

Ben Smith, the Opposition leader, said that Mr Rogers brought additional strength and expertise to the party’s team.

He thanked Mr Smith, the OBA candidate for Warwick North Central (Constituency 27), for his service and added: “I look forward to the continued efforts he will give to his constituents and working towards his ideas of how to improve cybersafety for seniors.”