I am a Latin American woman who entered British public life with an unconventional story and a deep belief in social justice. My parents, one of African and Indigenous Dominican heritage, the other from a colonial French family, left their homeland for Europe seeking dignity, freedom, and opportunity. Their courage shaped my own.
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Raised between cultures, I learned early that education is the truest path to liberty. Thanks to my grandmother’s sacrifices, I continued my studies in the United Kingdom, carrying with me the lessons of my childhood among the palm trees and vibrant wildlife of the Dominican Republic. Cambridge later broadened my world and prepared me for five years of elected service.
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My early career in education shaped every part of my professional life, guiding my work, from supporting schools in The Gambia, to volunteering with The Salvation Army in Norway, to contributing to a UK-based mental health charity and deepening my commitment to compassion, dignity, and community action.
I later founded an education charity in Samaná, connecting European teachers with Dominican schools to share skills and cultural experiences.
Politics: Cada loco con su tema!
During the early years of my involvement in politics and community service, I focused on grassroots engagement and building strong local connections. I began by volunteering in community initiatives in Trumpington, supporting local campaigns with the Libdems, and participating in neighbourhood improvement projects.
As a councillor I have been dealing quietly with many enquiries about personal issues in park maintenance, housing association and lastly domestic violence that have touched my heart. These experiences provided valuable insight into the challenges faced by residents and deepened my commitment to public service.
Through this work, I developed a practical understanding of civic processes, collaboration, and the importance of inclusive, community-driven decision-making.
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In March 2026 I became a member of the Green Party. Read more about this is the Reflections section of my website.
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Click here for the Green Party press release from Saturday 21st March 2026
Our Cambridge
Cambridge Is Changing – But Who Is It Changing For?
For centuries this city has welcomed scholars, researchers and entrepreneurs from across the world. That openness is part of the city’s identity. But the pace and direction of change over the past decade has raised an increasingly uncomfortable question: who exactly is Cambridge being planned for?
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In recent years the city has seen an unprecedented surge in development. Laboratories, office complexes and hotels have spread rapidly across the city, driven by the extraordinary global success of the ecosystem around the University of Cambridge. The so-called “knowledge economy” has brought investment, jobs and international attention but alongside this success something else has been happening - something many residents now recognise in their everyday lives.
​The centre of Cambridge is slowly becoming hollowed out. Independent shops and everyday services have disappeared, replaced by short-stay accommodation, hotels and commercial developments catering primarily to visitors, investors and the global research economy. Housing costs continue to climb beyond the reach of many local people. More and more residents feel they are being quietly pushed further from the heart of their own city.
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This is not an accident. It is the result of planning choices made over the past decade, choices that have consistently prioritised rapid commercial expansion and headline development numbers over the long-term wellbeing of communities.
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Nowhere is this clearer than in places like Trumpington. Thousands of homes have been built there as part of Cambridge’s expansion. Yet residents continue to face oversubscribed schools, GP surgeries under enormous strain, transport links that struggle to cope, and local services that arrived years after the homes themselves.
​​Many residents have also reported concerns about build quality in some developments, discovering defects and construction problems far too soon after moving in. This is what happens when housing delivery is treated as a numbers game rather than the careful creation of sustainable neighbourhoods.
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And now the government is proposing a centrally led development corporation that could accelerate the delivery of tens of thousands more homes across Greater Cambridge. What is striking is the silence from the Labour administration that leads Cambridge City Council.
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This is a moment when local leaders should be standing up for the communities they represent. Instead, residents are seeing hesitation, caution and in many cases, an unwillingness to challenge proposals coming from their own party in Westminster.​
The uncomfortable truth is that too often political loyalty appears to come before the interests of the people who live here. Cambridge deserves better than that.
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When major decisions about the future of our city are being discussed, decisions that could reshape Cambridge for decades, residents expect their local leaders to speak clearly, defend local democracy and demand the infrastructure and services that communities need. Instead, there is a growing perception that party colours are being protected more carefully than the wellbeing of the city itself.
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Cambridge’s success was never just about laboratories, investment funds or global tech companies. It was built on the strength of its communities: the families, workers and long-term residents who created the social fabric of the city. Growth should support those communities, not sideline them.
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If Cambridge continues down a path where development is driven primarily by the demands of the global economy, while those who already live here struggle with rising costs and overstretched services, then the city risks losing something far more valuable than any investment it might gain.
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The real test of leadership now is simple: will those in power stand up for the people of Cambridge, or will they continue to stand quietly behind decisions made elsewhere?
Reflections
Reflection on leaving the Liberal Democrats: Je ne regrette rien
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Over recent months, I have taken time to reflect carefully on my role in public service and the values that guide my work as a councillor. This period of reflection has led me to a difficult but ultimately necessary decision: to leave the Liberal Democrats and join the Green Party.
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This was not a decision made lightly. My years serving as a City Councillor for Trumpington under the Liberal Democrat banner were deeply meaningful to me. I was first drawn into politics during the period surrounding Brexit, motivated by a desire to stand up for the rights and security of European citizens living in the UK. At that time, I felt strongly that the Liberal Democrats played an important role in advocating for those communities and defending their place in British society. That sense of purpose shaped my decision to enter public life.
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I am also deeply grateful for the support and mentorship I received during my first year as a councillor. Several colleagues gave generously of their time and experience, helping me to navigate the responsibilities of the role and better understand how to serve residents effectively. Their guidance played an important part in my development, and I remain appreciative of the encouragement and trust they showed me early on.
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However, over the last year and a half, I have at times felt that expressing myself fully and advocating for certain issues has been more challenging than I would have hoped, which has led to a degree of reflection about my role. A central part of this reflection has also been my growing frustration with outcomes at county level, where the Liberal Democrats have been in leadership. Too often, I have seen persistent issues left unresolved—most notably the deteriorating condition of roads, including widespread potholes, and the continued shortcomings in the provision of Special Educational Needs (SEN) support. For many in our community, this has translated into real, everyday difficulties, and I have found it increasingly hard to reconcile these outcomes with the level of service and accountability residents rightly expect.
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There were also moments where I felt unable to speak openly on matters I believed were important. Issues such as the pressures created by rapid local development, ongoing concerns about community safety, and humanitarian matters, including the suffering of people in Gaza, weighed heavily on me, especially because, locally, the party often chose gestures that risked appearing symbolic rather than substantive. Not being able to fully voice or act on these concerns made it increasingly difficult to align my role with the expectations and needs of residents.
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Another key element in my decision has been the importance of working within a political environment that genuinely embraces inclusiveness. Effective public service depends on openness, collaboration, and ensuring that diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but actively heard. In a city like Cambridge, where communities are varied and constantly evolving, representation must reflect that diversity in a meaningful way.
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I came to feel that remaining within my previous party limited my ability to contribute to that kind of inclusive and responsive political culture. In contrast, I believe the Green Party provides a space that is more aligned with these values. Ultimately, this decision reflects my desire to serve residents more effectively and to work within a framework that allows me to speak openly, act with integrity, and pursue the issues that matter most to our community. While leaving the Liberal Democrats has been accompanied by a sense of sadness, it has also been guided by a clear commitment to doing what I believe is right for the people I represent.
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My commitment to residents of Trumpington remains unchanged. This reflection is not about stepping away from responsibility, but about ensuring that I can fulfil it more fully.
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Living and Growing in Trumpington
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I have lived in Trumpington for many years, and each day reminds me of how much our community has changed and how much it still needs. Cambridge has delivered thousands of new homes, and that growth is visible everywhere. Yet in our ward, we continue to wait for the infrastructure that makes a community truly liveable. On my morning walk to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, I navigate streets crowded with cars and buses, often slowing to let cyclists pass. The congestion is a daily reality, and it reminds me that our roads and transport links have not kept pace with the expansion happening around us.
At school drop-off, I see parents juggling time and patience as queues stretch out along streets with all yellow lines but these are disregarded- no one to enforce it. No bus stops close by. Local schools are coping heroically, but the pressure on staff and resources is clear. During the weekends, when I take the bus to Shelford or across town, I notice the strain on public transport, buses (P&R) are full, stops are crowded, and every journey feels like a test of patience. These are not abstract issues; they are the lived experience of residents trying to navigate a ward that is growing faster than it is being supported.
Even with the national significance of Addenbrooke’s and the Biomedical Campus, the effects of these developments are intensely local. Residents like me feel the impact every day in longer commutes, stretched healthcare services, and parks and community spaces that struggle to meet demand. It sometimes feels as though Trumpington’s needs are secondary to citywide priorities, and that our daily realities are overlooked.
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Yet there is hope. The recent reorganisation of the City Council presents a chance for meaningful change. Transparent, ward-level budgets would let us see exactly how funding is being allocated, and whether investment is keeping pace with growth. It would allow residents to understand the connection between the homes being built, the transport we rely on, and the community facilities that make life in Trumpington sustainable and enjoyable.
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Reflecting on life here, I am reminded that homes alone do not make a community. What makes Trumpington special is the people who live here, the streets we walk, the schools our children attend, and the small daily interactions that create a sense of belonging. For Trumpington to flourish, we need thoughtful, timely, and fair investment, not just in housing, but in the infrastructure and services that shape our everyday lives.
Growth should be measured not only in buildings, but in the quality of life we can enjoy together as a community.
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Trumpington Calls for Fair and Transparent Ward-Level Funding
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Trumpington residents are urging Cambridge City Council to ensure that local budgets reflect the needs of growing communities. While housing delivery remains a priority, uncertainty continues over how funding will support essential infrastructure in our ward.
Cambridge has delivered thousands of social housing and is recognised for building at scale. However, homes alone do not create liveable communities. In Trumpington, residents have waited over eleven years for basic infrastructure, and current expansion, including Addenbrooke’s Hospital, the Biomedical Campus, and Cambridge South Station is outpacing investment.
Congestion, pressure on public services, and delayed transport improvements are daily realities for our community. While Addenbrooke’s is a nationally significant facility, the effects of its growth are felt locally. Trumpington deserves fair and timely investment to ensure that housing, transport, and community infrastructure create a sustainable and liveable environment for all residents.
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Residents believe that the Council’s recent reorganisation presents an opportunity for a long-overdue improvement: budgets defined clearly by ward. Transparent, ward-level budgeting would allow communities like Trumpington to see exactly how annual funding will impact local services, infrastructure, and quality of life.
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Trumpington’s Meadows Housing Promises: Sustainability and Community That Never Arrived
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Trumpington, Cambridge’s largest ward, has been transformed by major housing developments like Trumpington Meadows and Clay Farm. Trumpington Meadows was marketed as sustainable, energy-efficient homes with lower bills and a reduced carbon footprint, the reality falls far short. Residents live in poorly insulated homes with shallow walls, inadequate heating, and storage sheds too small even for a child’s bicycle. Solar panels deliver little benefit, and the overall quality of construction has been repeatedly questioned.
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The low standards extend beyond homes. The local surgery, meant to serve the growing community, suffers persistent construction flaws, with repairs still ongoing years after opening. Complaints from residents have been passed around between the council, the developer, and the housing association (BPHA), each blaming the others. Meanwhile, the problems remain unresolved.
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Barratt Homes promised a “connected” community with identity, purpose, and shared facilities such as allotments, fitness areas, and communal dining. Reality? Only the allotments exist, serving about 15 residents. Fitness facilities never appeared, and communal dining was reduced to two benches in the Country Park, managed by the Wildlife Trust. Hardly the thriving hub of community life that was promised in 2004.
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Electrified vehicle charging, a supposed environmental benefit, was reserved for homes over £500,000, leaving Housing Association residents stuck with petrol and diesel. “Last-mile” pollution reduction never happened; residents still drive to Waitrose. Inclusive outdoor spaces, meant to encourage community interaction, have been abandoned as overgrown, unusable patches, misunderstood in design and neglected in practice.
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The promises of Trumpington’s developments, sustainability, connectivity, and community, have largely evaporated. What remains is a landscape of low-quality construction, ongoing repair issues, and amenities that barely exist.
On paper, these housing projects look green and progressive, but in reality, residents are left to navigate broken promises and a system that shifts blame while problems persist.
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Gaza: A Reflection of 21st Century Failure
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The ongoing assault on Gaza is not merely a regional conflict; it is a testament to the moral and political failures of the 21st century. What is happening on the ground, a systematic targeting of civilian populations, destruction of essential infrastructure, and the mass displacement of families has led many human rights organizations to describe the situation as tantamount to genocide. Yet, the world watches, largely immobilised by political calculations, strategic alliances, and bureaucratic inertia.
My deepest disappointment also lies in the UK government’s stance on the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, a stance that has shaken the moral compass of many who value human rights and international justice. Domestically, the UK has criminalised peaceful demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinians, sending a chilling message that dissent against state-aligned foreign policy will not be tolerated. Internationally, it has failed to exert meaningful pressure on parties responsible for attacks on civilians, prioritizing geopolitical alliances over moral accountability. This dual failure, suppressing public advocacy at home while abstaining from principled intervention abroad represents a stark erosion of democratic and humanitarian values.
This failure is not isolated. The broader international community has largely treated Gaza’s suffering as a distant crisis, issuing statements of concern while allowing violations of international law to continue unchecked. Resolutions are delayed or diluted, accountability mechanisms ignored, and the rhetoric of “both sides” often masks the asymmetry of power and the reality of civilian suffering. In this silence and inaction, the world bears collective responsibility for the perpetuation of violence.
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In contrast, Spain has charted a markedly different course. Its government has openly condemned violations in Gaza, emphasized adherence to international law, and supported humanitarian relief efforts. Spain’s approach demonstrates that political courage and moral clarity are possible even amid complex international dynamics. By taking a principled stance, Spain asserts that defending human rights is not a matter of convenience but of obligation, a reminder that governments can act to protect the vulnerable without compromising strategic interests.
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The juxtaposition is stark and instructive: while the UK and much of the international community prioritise realpolitik and suppress civic advocacy, Spain exemplifies the ethical imperative of action over passivity. Gaza is not only a site of humanitarian catastrophe, it is a mirror reflecting global failure, revealing the ease with which political expediency can eclipse justice, and the price civilians pay for that abdication of responsibility​.
The 21st century risks being defined not by progress or human rights victories, but by the collective silence and complicity of those empowered to act.
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