A new face has been added to the Opposition People's National Movement (PNM) benches in the Senate.

Senator Sherrie Hamidan Lorna Ali, 38, of Palmiste, San Fernando, was appointed last week as a temporary Opposition Senator.

She was acting for Senator Terrence Deyalsingh and for the next two weeks will be acting for Senator Fitzgerald Hinds.

The public is expected to see more of Ali, who returned two years ago from Louisiana, USA, where she attained an Executive  MBA (Life Studies/Business Applications) as well as a BSc in Bio-Chemistry (pre-med curriculum) from the Louisiana State University

She has extensive experience in the field of pharmaceuticals as well as mass media and is a graduate of Naparima Girls' High School in San Fernando. Ali is also a member of the Couva Chamber of Commerce.

Ali, who made her maiden contribution in the Senate last week, told the Express yesterday she was honoured and privileged to serve under the PNM. She said her father, Nazir Ali, her brother and stepmother were all active PNM supporters.

"I returned home right after the local elections two years ago when the country was going through rapid changes," she said.

Ali, who is eight months pregnant, said she was disappointed that real change, however, was not taking place.

"I think there's a lot of room for improvement...real change is not taking place," she said.

She said the Opposition has a large responsibility to ensure that checks and balances are in place and the PNM under a new regime must do all that it can to serve the country, even in Opposition.

Ali said she is honoured with her appointment and if a permanent position becomes available she is willing and happy to serve the people of this country.