Pembroke West Central must be overflowing with bees because its residents love honey, honey and more honey!

Delivering a stinging defeat to her two male opponents, incumbent Neletha (Honey) Butterfield romped to a commanding 271 vote victory last night to retain Constituency 18 for the Progressive Labour Party (PLP).

Shortly after 10 p.m. a joyous roar erupted at Northlands Primary School as election results confirmed Ms Butterfield polling 510 of the 803 ballots cast (1,043 eligible voters).

United Bermuda Party (UBP) candidate, Erwin Adderley, was a distant second with 239 votes while Independent (IND) Stuart Hayward got 51 votes. Three ballots were rejected.

"I feel excited, very good. I was very confident I would take Pembroke West Central. I want to thank God for giving me the faith to know that those in Pembroke West Central would see me back in the House of Parliament," said the beaming winner, also saluting all her supporters.

The 50-year-old community activist and educator revelled in her sizeable majority, attributing it to how well she has represented "my people".

"Finally we have a solid Pembroke West Central. It was marginal but we have sent a message that it's strong PLP," declared Ms Butterfield who first won the seat in 1998.

Both her rivals were bitterly disappointed - yet gracious - in defeat.

"I am extremely disappointed but I congratulate the winner. She obviously worked very hard for her success and I wish her all the best in the future," said 63-year-old Mr. Adderley.

"I thought I did the best I could but obviously could have done better. I took my case to the people. They found her proposals better than mine."

Mr. Hayward, 61, was disappointed for his team who "worked hard".

"I would have been delighted if we could have had a better showing but it was the Neletha Butterfield show."

RESULTS

Neletha Butterfield (PLP) 510

Erwin Adderley (UBP) 239

Stuart Hayward (IND) 51