Mention the youth of Bermuda and you'll hear Gina Spence-Farmer's name. Not only is she synonymous for her community work, but she is an embodiment of hard work through difficult times.

Mrs. Spence-Farmer was an Opposition Senator in the last Parliament and is challenging PLP incumbent Dale Butler for the Warwick North East seat.

She is happily married to Charles Farmer and is the proud the mother of three girls, and also has a five-year-old grandson.

The December 18 General Election will be her first time vying for a Parliamentary seat. Her work in the upper house has prepared her in her bid to shift to the House, she believes.

"My experience in the Senate has well prepared me to be an effective Member of Parliament," she told The Royal Gazette, "I clearly understand the laws of Bermuda and the value of debating important issues.

"And as Shadow Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs and Race Relations, I have been able to speak about issues such as violence, crime and family which are dear to my heart."

Mrs. Spence-Farmer was born and raised in Khyber Pass, Warwick and attended the Purvis and Warwick Secondary schools .

She was employed as a postal worker for 15 years.

As a child, she tells of a struggle.

Alcohol abuse was present in her home and her reputation is one constructed on grass-roots community activism in Bermuda, according to her UBP profile.

She is the founder and CEO of Gina Spence Productions in Christ and was recently honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for her youth street festivals, drama productions and extensive prison outreach programmes.

She is a graduate of Kingdom University and has a certificate in Ministry and Effective Communications. Currently she is pursuing certification in Arts Administration and Performing Arts at New York University.

As a member of Better Covenant Christian Fellowship and the vice president of Bermuda Spirit 1230 radio station, she keeps herself busy and is actively involved in the community.

"The number one issue in Warwick is crime," she added. "I have been lobbying for a fully staffed police station in Warwick and an increase in the number of community police and I won't rest until this goal is achieved.

"I'm going to fight the scourge of drugs and crime by continuing to push for the development of drug prevention educational programmes for youth in the schools. I feel the young people of Bermuda need someone who understands their issues and challenges and will work hard to develop programmes and implement policies to assist them with achieving their goals.

"I will work to develop a multi-purpose cultural centre. I want to use my passion for the people of Warwick to work toward affordable housing, with single parent families high on my list.

"I want to encourage and create opportunities for everyone, through reforming the education system, making education an equal opportunity for all."

Asked to predict the outcome of the election and her challenge to her opponent, she prefers to concentrate on people's concerns instead of the big day.

She stated: "I've dedicated two years of my life to this campaign because I want to work to improve people's lives.

"I don't really think about election night. I have been focusing on meeting people, listening to their concerns, understanding and earning their trust."

"Both Dale Butler and I have shown that while people have different political ideals, we can still respect each other."

But in order to win in Warwick North East, the political novice must garner the same percentage of votes her predecessor Mark Pettingill captured last time, plus swing the slim margin that restored her opponent to power.

"I have been committed to canvassing for two years and the voters, including young people, will make their own decision," she predicted.

"A lot has changed since the last election and voters are not necessarily voting along party lines, it's about the person and their character and who they can trust."

Inevitably, as a black candidate of the UBP she is accused of providing window dressing for a party that draws solid white support.

Mrs. Spence-Farmer disagrees with the notion: "I would not be a member of a party that is not diversified.

"We are a multicultural, diversified party which I believe is one of our strengths.

"The United Bermuda Party is a true reflection of the Bermuda we live in today and I am a very proud member.

"I am committed to God, my party, the people of Warwick and to myself and I have the full backing of my family.

"I am not a microwave politician and I am in this for the long haul."