The Bermuda College's Gina Spence-Farmer was yesterday declared the United Bermuda Party's newest Parliamentary candidate - and she is ready to stand in the next General Election, whenever that may be.

An “excited, proud and elated” Mrs. Spence-Farmer said she was part of the “renaissance” taking place at the UBP.

“This is about being a voice for those who may feel disenchanted.”

The co-curricular activities co-ordinator at the Bermuda College, Mrs. Spence-Farmer has “deep roots in the community”, UBP Leader Grant Gibbons said yesterday.

“Gina has a remarkable life story to tell. She is one of 13 children and spent most of her formative years in foster homes. She is truly a symbol of success in the face of adversity. “Now she is a well-known and well-respected figure in the community. Her commitment to people and her passion for working with others are obvious to anyone who meets her.

“She shares with the UBP a special concern for the issues and challenges facing the young people on our Island. She has demonstrated a tremendous rapport and outreach to young Bermudians through her TV show, Youth Talk. We're delighted to have her on board as part of our UBP team. We're sure that, given the opportunity, she will make a great Member of Parliament.”

“I'm here to serve,” Mrs. Spence-Farmer said. “I've been encouraged a lot by young people. Their concern is not about which party - we have reached a place in politics where you have to deliver.”

The leap into politics is a “good change”, but a decision she did not take without much prayer and the full support of her family.

Recently honoured by the Queen in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for her youth street festivals, drama productions and extensive prison outreach programmes, Mrs. Spence-Farmer's achievements include recognition from Friswell's Hill United for her work with young people.

She also received a nomination for Woman of the Year 2003, and appointments to the Bermuda Arts Council and the Human Rights Commission.

She is also the vice president of Bermuda Spirit, Bermuda's newest community Christian radio station, and is the founder of Gina Spence Productions (now Gina Spence Productions in Christ).

Married to Charles Farmer, Mrs. Spence-Farmer has three daughters and one grandson.

Asked why she chose the UBP over the Progressive Labour Party, she replied: “I respect and honour their core values.”

The diversity of the party was also a great draw. The community, she said, was made up of black and white, old and young, rich and poor, local and foreigners, adding: “Our team is so diverse, we are well-equipped to meet (any challenges).”

As for which constituency she hoped to run in, Mrs. Spence-Farmer was flexible. Raised in Warwick, now living in Pembroke, and having worked everywhere from Somerset to St. George's, she said: “You could put me anywhere.”

The announcement was made yesterday, Dr. Gibbons said, because the start of a New Year seemed appropriate for this next step in the UBP's continued evolution. “We want to get her out there.”

Other new candidates will be announced in due course.

As Opposition, “we obviously have no idea when the next Election will be,” he said. “But it's enough to say, we'll be ready.”