October 5 general election, The Royal Gazette today looks at Pembroke West Central.

In 1989, Mr. Stuart Hayward ended 21 years of United Bermuda Party representation in Pembroke West Central by defeating then Finance Minister the Hon. Clarence James. And he did it without a political party behind him.

Still smarting, the UBP is working hard to have the Independent voted out.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, Finance Minister the Hon. David Saul, and Education Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira are among those who have joined UBP candidates Mr. Jerome Dill and Works and Engineering Minister the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto in canvassing.

The push has left some voters "scared stiff,'' Mr. Hayward said. "The message that the UBP is trying to give is that Stuart is a nice guy, but if you don't elect UBP candidates, the PLP (Progressive Labour Party) will be the Government.'' Mr. Dill, a partner at Appleby Spurling and Kempe, said "the constituents are entitled to the representation of their choice.'' But, "there really is no place for an Independent in our politics,'' and "I think Pembroke West Central can make the difference, quite frankly, between a PLP Government and a UBP Government.'' Voters "sent a message'' by electing Mr. Hayward in 1989, he said. "The message has been received, loud and clear.'' The Government's unhappiness with Mr. Hayward is understandable. Until his organised and well-financed campaign came along, Pembroke West Central represented two safe UBP seats.

Dr. James, paired with Mr. Warren Eve in 1968 and with Mr. Cyril Rance in 1972 and 1976, polled twice as many votes as his PLP rivals in all three elections.

By 1983, he and Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto were still winning with cushions of 300 votes.

But in 1989, Mr. Hayward topped the polls. He cut deeply into the support of Dr. James, under fire over the cost of work at the Airport and increases in MPs salaries and pensions. The lone PLP candidate, Ms Cheryl Pooley, still finished last.

Never a factor in Pembroke West Central, the PLP feels it has a strong team this time. Computer school owner Ms Neletha (Honey) Butterfield and lawyer Mr.

Philip Perinchief were both born and raised in the district.

Mr. Perinchief, who caused a stir early in the campaign with comments about income tax at a PLP rally, agreed with the UBP about one thing. "The general feeling is that a vote for the Independent in this case is a wasted vote,'' he said.

As for concerns about a UBP victory, Mr. Perinchief said the myth had been exploded that the PLP was incapable of running the country. And he said there was unhappiness that Mr. Dill, an outsider, defeated Mr. Elroy Ratteray in a UBP primary.

Mr. Dill said Mr. Ratteray was campaigning at his side. Ms Butterfield said violence, recreation for youth, education, the economy, and institutional racism were the major issues.

As an incumbent, Mr. Hayward said he was running a different campaign than last time. "Many of the voters will be making a decision based on their evaluation of how I've been performing,'' he said.

He agreed the environment -- the major focus of his campaign in 1989 -- was not getting as much attention this time. But that was because "people are far more conscious of the environment,'' and "there is not the great pressure for highlighting environmental concerns.'' Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto points to the Clean Air Act and recently-passed regulations that were drafted while she was Environment Minister.

Residents who lived near the Belco plant had long complained about filthy emissions. "In due course we're going to see a vast improvement there,'' she said.

Pembroke West Central: Candidates Neletha (Honey) Butterfield, 40, computer education consultant (PLP); Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto, 48, lawyer (UBP); Jerome Dill, 33, lawyer (UBP); Stuart Hayward, 51, researcher (Ind); Philip Perinchief, 48, lawyer (PLP).

Electoral Hall -- Northlands Secondary School.

Electorate -- 1,768.

1989 election -- Stuart Hayward (Ind) 676; Ann Cartwright DeCouto (UBP) 630; Dr. Clarence James (UBP) 479; Cheryl Pooley (PLP) 453.

OCTOBER 1993 ELECTION