Pembroke Central, which is just north of Hamilton, is a mainly working and middle class black area with some pockets of wealthier housing around Government House.

Around two thirds of the new constituency 18 single seat includes the old Pembroke West Central, which the Progressive Labour Party took at the last election for the first time.

PLP candidate Wayne Perinchief was elected with running mate Neletha Butterfield to represent the old seat at the last election, and the former Assistant Police Commissioner says he already knows the area well.

His United Bermuda Party opponent Rev. Leonard Santucci said his canvassing had gone extremely well and he was confident he could land the seat.

The constituency has 1,049 voters and stretches from East Gate Lane and Marsh Folly Road on the east to Pitts Bay Road and Berkeley Road in the west, with North Shore Road and Serpentine Road forming the other boundaries.

Because it is so close to Hamilton, the constituency has proved popular with an increasing number of foreign workers, leading, according to Mr. Perinchief, to a feeling among some Bermudians that they are being squeezed out of the housing market in what was a settled community.

Rev. Santucci said seniors' health care, affordable housing, youth development, crime and education were the big issues on the doorsteps.

But Mr. Perinchief said crime was not emerging as a key concern. The most pressing issues were housing, congestion, problems with emergency vehicles getting access, and the possibility of water tanks being contaminated by sewage tanks.

And the new Berkeley School project, which is on the boundary of the seat, is a cause of sadness and consternation for many black Bermudians because it has been so badly mismanaged by the PLP, said Rev. Santucci.

"Berkeley was seen as a primary institution of national importance to black Bermudians and many of the Berkeley graduates are appalled that the PLP as a 'black' party has mismanaged this institution," he said.

"It is probably one of the most diverse constituencies in terms of racial blend of black and white, Portuguese and non-Bermudians as well. It goes from some of the smallest properties on the Island like the Government Gate community and properties worth about $300,000, to some which are like estates worth at least $2.5 million.

"My impression is that it is very possible for the UBP to claim this seat. Most of the constituents I have spoken to have said to me 'Who is the PLP candidate?' indicating they have not seen the PLP candidate.

"I am very confident. Most people have indicated they want good leadership, and they are looking at the candidate, not just the party."

Mr. Perinchief said: "People are seeking accommodation, and there is a little bit of concern that some people may be being displaced (by contract workers).

"Crime is not really coming up as a big issue. People in Langton Hill had some concerns about breaking and entering some time ago and that might still be an issue, but housing is number one on the agenda.

"And because of the number of congested areas, there is the issue of emergency vehicles not having access, so I will be trying to improve on that."

Mr. Perinchief said he was worried there was a risk water tanks might be contaminated by septic tanks because the houses were so close together, so he was hoping to get the houses hooked up to the central water and sewage system.

He pointed out that the Berkeley site was linked to the central sewage and water system.

"I feel very comfortable with my constituents and I think they'll find a certain comfort level with me.