?Overwhelmed.? That was how new Senator Wayne Caines described his feelings as he contemplated his elevation to the Upper House which he said had come out of the blue.

Sen. Caines, 35, said he had experienced a tumultuous weekend in which he?d had to resign both his job as a prosecutor and his post as a Captain with the Bermuda Regiment because of his new responsibilities.

He told ?I am pleased. A lot of things have transpired within the last 24 hours so it?s literally all surreal to me now. Everything has been taken care of for me. I have very solid employment options. I will take a couple of days off and then start my new venture.?

Sen. Caines, has worked for the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions since 2000.

He said of his Senate spot: ?My service began as a young man in the army ? this is a natural evolution. I know the Premier had a big vision for Bermuda as a whole. I play a part in that vision. I now have a responsibility for the people of Bermuda and I am up for that challenge.?

Sen. Caines has yet to be assigned a junior ministry. ?I will go wherever I am sent.?

Asked about the sometimes sleepy nature of Senate debate he said: ?I think they will find it gripping now I am up there. I have always found it interesting. There?s a vast array of different people. The president of the Senate is my next door neighbour.?

And Sen. Caines had some pointed words for his former employers. ?The DPP?s office has a lot of potential. I would like to see them give more opportunity to Bermudians and pay more than lip service to personal development. The department has to be more true to creating real opportunity for young Bermudians and only when they give them real opportunity to lead will they stay in that department.?