By-election candidate Michael Weeks says it was a bittersweet moment to find he had been picked to replace his friend and mentor Minister Nelson Bascome in Pembroke South East.

But the lifelong Pembroke resident said he was determined to keep the late Health Minister's legacy alive by working to tackle the gang problems plaguing residents in Constituency 16.

Speaking at Alaska Hall after being rolled out as the Progressive Labour Party's candidate for the August 27 by-election, Mr. Weeks told The Royal Gazette: "I knew Nelson well and it was at first bittersweet having to follow a friend.

"But I'm relishing the opportunity to be on the front line of the party and I'm willing to do the hard work necessary to keep his legacy alive."

Mr. Weeks, 48, is overwhelming favourite to beat Keith Young of the United Bermuda for probably the safest PLP seat in the country, which Mr. Bascome won with 87 percent of the votes in the 2007 General Election.

However, insisting he is taking nothing for granted, he said: "This is new to me so I don't know what a safe seat is. I have come to bring energy and vigour.

"I am talking to residents to find out what their concerns are and see what they can bring to the table."

One permanent vacancy remains on Cabinet despite Elvin James' return to as Education Minister yesterday, with Minister without Portfolio Walter Roban still acting as Health Minister.

Mr. Weeks said if elected he would be willing to take up any position he was asked to do, but would not be immediately pushing for a place on Cabinet, adding: "I'm here to learn and I don't walk before I run."

Many have questioned whether Mr. Bascome's replacement will help boost Premier Ewart Brown's flagging levels of support among party colleagues in the House of Assembly.

Pointing to the green decor and PLP posters around Alaska Hall, Mr. Weeks said: "I support the PLP; as such, I support the party leader."

Mr. Roban made similar comments following his recent promotion to Cabinet, while on his return as Energy Minister Michael Scott said he put the importance of serving his country above in-party squabbling.

Mr. Weeks' loyalty to the party began at a very young age when his mother Lois Weeks, a branch secretary, took him to local meetings, and his father Joseph Weeks sat around the dining table discussing the issues of the day with PLP supporting friends.

He told yesterday's press conference that he proposes meeting with the local branch executive and residents to form a community action plan to target crime and drugs; and that he wanted a more regular Police presence.

He also wants to create dialogue with youths, especially disenfranchised males, and to transform Marsh Folly dump into an area people can enjoy.

Shirlene Bascome, wife of Mr. Bascome and chair of the constituency, confirmed there had been a remarkable level of interest in the seat from PLP members, but that Mr. Weeks had all the qualities they had been looking for.

Dr. Brown said: "Many people have asked him (Mr. Weeks) and asked me whether he can fill the shoes of our beloved brother Nelson Bascome. He has his own shows and he brings to the table his own qualities and characteristics and history with the Progressive Labour Party."

The Premier said he expected other PLP members to look and learn from Mr. Weeks' example and note the way he has participated at every level in the party.