Political newcomer Lovitta Foggo snatched victory from the determined grip of incumbent Suzann Roberts-Holshouser last night.

Ms Foggo, a schoolteacher who has lived in the constituency for over 20 years, said she believed non-stop canvassing made the difference for her. "I really listened to the constituents and their concerns and then carried them forward," Ms Foggo said. "I think because they saw me really working on their behalf, it gave them confidence in me and factored in their decision to support me.

Ms Foggo won the seat for the third PLP Government by an impressive 90 votes: 572 of St. David's registered 1,404 voters turned out to give her the nod versus 482 for Mrs. Roberts-Holshouser. Ms Foggo's decisive victory marks a change for the marginal seat, which Mrs. Roberts-Holshouser had snagged by just 15 votes in 2003 against PLP candidate Danvers (Danny) Seymour.

The UBP candidate said she was disappointed with the result. However, she pledged she would still keep working on behalf of the people of St. David's. "I will keep pressure on the PLP," she said. "Just because they won does not mean they will represent the people. I will make sure they're responsible. That's my job."

Both women put in a 12-hour-plus day yesterday at the polling booths with their supporters — Ms Foggo's two daughters and two grandsons were among hers.

Voter turnout for Constituency 3 was 75 percent; 1058 of 1404 registered voters came out to Clearwater Middle School to cast their ballots. There were four spoiled ballots.

RESULT

Lovitta Foggo (PLP) 572

Suzann Roberts-Holshouser

(UBP) 482