Broadcast journalist Ashfield DeVent was yesterday named the ruling Progressive Labour Party's candidate for the Pembroke East Central by-election on November 26.

The announcement comes in the wake of some concerns expressed over the early stages of the Pembroke branch's selection process. But three of the other four contestants for the nomination were on hand at party headquarters, Alaska Hall, to show their support for Mr. DeVent. Senator Calvin Smith, who also contested the nomination, is off the Island.

"The responsibility you have entrusted in me, I assure you, I will not take lightly," said Mr. DeVent. He added that he had thought long and hard about the qualities of good leadership.

"I did not have far to look. The impending by-election comes only as a result of the untimely death of Minister David Allen. If I am able to maintain even a portion of the former Minister of Tourism's energy and commitment to serve Bermuda I will not go wrong."

Party chairman Neville Tyrell said: "He has been directly involved in community grassroots issues, equally impressive is the experience he gained with the United Nations as a representative for Southern countries on the sustainable development commission.

He cited Mr. DeVent's social conscience and his varied professional background as key strengths. And branch chairman Scott Pearman said that he was confident that Mr. DeVent would be "proactive in responding to the concerns of the constituency", if successful.

Premier Jennifer Smith said that she was presiding over the proceedings with mixed emotions, since the election is being held to fill the seat made vacant by the death of David Allen.

But she added that the party had been "delighted" to have five people offer themselves for the position.

"You may conclude, and I will confirm, that the Progressive Labour Party is still the most viable option for many who wish to make a positive contribution to their community and our country through the political process.

"In the political sphere there will always be significant examples of true democracy at work and we in the Progressive Labour Party encourage the community and especially our members to participate in that process. Of course, there's work still to be done but we are on course and I believe that with candidates such as the ones we were presented, we can only strengthen our team. I believe that the Pembroke East Central exercise speaks to the vision and commitment of the Progressive Labour Party Government to mobilise the talent of every Bermudian in our quest to achieve empowerment and economic parity." Pembroke branch chairman Scott Pearman defended the candidate selection process as "fair and equitable", despite some publicly expressed concerns.

"There was no primary. A selection process was used that allowed candidates to lobby their membership support base from the moment they decided to become candidates... The decision was agreed without objection by our branch members. No one had any prior knowledge of the process agreed to... The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party's constitution provides for branches to operate within certain terms and conditions and the Pembroke branch process met these criteria."

Mr. DeVent said he had been "pleasantly surprised" when the news came just a few hours earlier that he had been chosen as the party's candidates.

He reiterated that his chief concerns are the environment, crime and drugs. "But since I have been canvassing the last few days I think one of my main concerns is the direction of young people. I think many of our young voting age people seem to feel somehow disconnected and don't feel their place in the whole process. And hopefully if I can awaken that feeling and belief that this is their country and they have a role to play. That in itself will be a huge step."

Rodney Smith, another contender for the nomination had lodged a complaint with the party, saying that the branch effectively conducted a primary and that only the constituents, not the entire branch membership should have been allowed to vote. He added that the process had not been sufficiently advertised. Yesterday he said he was prepared to accept the explanations given by the Premier and the branch chairman and that as far as he was concerned the matter was now at rest.

The party had picked the "best possible candidate", said Mr. Smith.

"I'm pleased to see that the process works and everyone has had a fair shake and now we have to get on with retaining that seat and I look forward to that. I think Ashfield will make a good candidate," said Dale Butler.

Mr. DeVent "represents new blood", and had the advantage of being "the local boy", said Rolfe Commissiong, another former contender for the nomination. "I think he can win the constituency. I really do... Ashfield has a vision and an understanding of the many problems that face Bermuda right now."