Bermuda can look forward to more work on fighting crime and helping the youth as the Progressive Labour Party takes the helm, according to activists.

On Tuesday night the PLP was elected for the third time in Bermuda's history with 22 seats in the House of Assembly and the opposition United Bermuda Party winning 14 seats.

Takbir Sharrieff, of campaign group Bermudians Against Narcotics (BAN) and PLP supporter, was thrilled with the result and said he was ready for the hard work ahead.

He said: "I am personally jubilant and overjoyed the government was given the opportunity to continue with initiatives they put in process.

"The programmes they have put in place for fighting crime and drugs are what I am obviously concerned about. The Mirrors programme for the youth is one I think has done really well. I think it's great."

Llewellyn Peniston, a lawyer and self-described life member of the PLP, also praised Mirrors, a social rehabilitation programme for wayward youth.

However, Mr. Peniston thought more needed to be done to reconnect not just with the youth but others in the community who felt distanced from the Government recently.

He said: "I am looking for an enhanced connection with the all of the voters by the incoming Progressive Labour Party government. It has to be admitted it was felt in some quarters there was a distance between the voters and the government.

"This new mandate will help. It will help them reconnect with those voters who felt they were not focused on.

"The results and new opportunity is probably the last chance to fulfil the master plan. If they do not they may not be able to succeed with a quadruple."

Business chiefs of the industry also welcomed the election and a chance to continue and renew their relationships with the Government.

Bermuda Hotel Association chief executive officer John Harvey said he was happy to see new developments for tourism.

He said: "As far as we are concerend we will continue to look forward to working with the government of the day. I am sure the positive relationship we have will continue.

"There are so many things on the horizon. I think we will see some very positive things."

Chamber of Commerce vice-president Diane Gordon was equally encouraged by the election and pleased to work together with the government to deliver to their members.

She said: "The people have spoken and the people have chosen the way forward and those who chose not to vote have lost their chance.

"It is very clear it's up to the community. As for us, we are moving forward. We look forward to continuing the relationship we have had with the Government; we have had an on going relationship with various ministers, with immigration, and CURE and we will continue to represent the wants and needs of the members.

"At this point I have not had a lot of feedback. It was a late night for everyone. It is still early days and people will want to see exactly who is appointed into which positions."