HAMILTON, Bermuda – Leader of the New Progressive Labour Party (PLP) leader Marc Bean was officially sworn in as Opposition Leader on Thursday by Governor George Fergusson.

Bean, 38, the former Environment Minister, was chosen by delegates last Friday as the party’s new leader to replace Paula Cox, who lost her seat in the House of Assembly in the December 17 general election, which saw the PLP swept from power after 14 years and replaced by the 19-month-old One Bermuda Alliance (OBA).

The OBA won a nail-biting election by 19 seats to 17.

The Governor also swore in three appointed opposition senators, Diallo Rabain, Renee Ming and Marc Daniels. Rabain will be the PLP’s Senate leader.

Meanwhile, former PLP election candidate Makai Dickerson appeared in court on Thursday to face a marijuana possession charge.

Prosecutor Garrett Byrne said the defendant was caught with “a very small amount” of the drug – 0.45 grams.

He said Dickerson, 30, was charged with the offence rather than given a police caution as “he didn’t accept any culpability” for it.

However, the prosecutor said, “he does now admit he was in possession of it”.

The case was adjourned until next Friday

It was reported during the election campaign that Dickerson did not immediately tell PLP officials about the incident, which occurred in September.

He pulled out of the election race when news of his arrest emerged.

Dickerson was replaced by former Accountant General Anthony Richardson in Devonshire South Central, where Richardson suffered a heavy defeat against new Premier Craig Cannonier.