Pamela Ferreira is the Corporation of Hamilton's Common Councillor.

In a record-breaking turnout, with 246 votes cast, Mrs. Ferreira defeated David Sullivan in yesterday's election for the post.

The mother-of-two is a qualified Barrister and Attorney but also a businesswomen, and is currently Chairwoman of the Masterworks Foundation.

Mayor of Hamilton, Sutherland Madeiros, said last night: "On behalf of the Corporation of Hamilton, I would like to congratulate Pamela on being elected as a Common Councillor. Pamela has a strong management background and has diverse interests and skills which will strengthen the Corporation and help us to achieve our goals."

Mrs. Ferreira worked for Bristol City Council in the UK and on her return to Bermuda in 2002, joined lawyers Mello, Jones and Martin.

A widow, her son and daughter have followed her into the legal profession, with son David practising in London and daughter Kristen a lawyer at XL.

In 2004, Mrs. Ferreira was elected as an Honoree of the Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World.

She is the owner of Wheels Cycles and the Market Place Stores, but also has a strong interest in education and preserving the Island's rich culture through the arts. Mrs. Ferreira serves on several school boards, as well as the Family Centre Board.

Following last night's victory, she said: "I am committed to being an example of best practice principles and good management in order to effect positive change in the City of Hamilton.

"I plan to put my experience, skills and energy to use in service to the Corporation as it makes crucial decisions that will affect the lives of the many people who reside, work in and visit Hamilton."

Mrs. Ferreira told The Royal Gazette: "I would like to achieve open dialogue between the Corporation of Hamilton and all of its constituents. The city is at a crossroads right now. We are dealing with the loss of the cruise ships in Hamilton and we've got problems with congestion morning, noon and night. We also have to look at safety in the city and at making sure it stays clean. We need to make this city as spotless as we can."

Mrs. Ferreira also wants to encourage more residents in order to bring vibrancy to the city centre.

She said: "We need to make Hamilton a living, vibrant city, an exciting place for tourists and residents to come to.

"We need to expand on residency so it becomes a living city where people are walking out on the streets at night to concerts, theatres, cinemas and restaurants.

"I hope I can be a catalyst in helping this community unite together to make this city even greater.

"I would like to thank everyone who came out here tonight to vote."