greeted by a large and enthusiastic crowd.

There were smiles all around as the parish's representatives and other Progressive Labour Party MP's with Sandys connections stood in turn and thanked voters for their support at the Somerset Cricket Club.

But the biggest cheer was saved for Premier Jennifer Smith who reaffirmed their commitment to changing the Island.

The crowd, estimated at 1,500 people, gave Premier Smith a standing ovation and cheered "all the way PLP'' and "united we stand'' as she took the podium.

Ms Smith said her candidates were inspired by young people and Bermuda's only resource was its people.

She added: "We want to make this a place where Bermudians, no matter what colour, gender, or age are given every opportunity to succeed.'' Ms Smith said her party represented all of the Island's people and wanted to change Bermuda so that no one could "slip through the cracks'' any more.

The audience also cheered loudly and answered "yes'' when Ms Smith asked: "Did I make a mistake? Is it all right to make January 4 a holiday?'' She also led the crowd and the throng of parliamentarians in singing the chorus of Bob Marley's "One Love''.

Finance Minister Eugene Cox thanked God and said his 31-year campaign to win the government had been "a long hard fight''.

"It's great to be here and see so many people,'' the Sandys North MP continued. "Sandys has been a rock for the PLP. No-one will be able to say it was only 50 people!'' Former Somerset captain and Hamilton West MP Randy Horton said he and fellow Somerset star and Warwick West MP Al James had been made champions at the club in 1979.

He said: "We beat St. George's after 19 years. I've always been with champions on this field and tonight I'm here with champions again.'' Mr. Horton added: "You can rest assured that Randy Horton will do to the best of his ability to see that young people will get the opportunities they deserve.

"I will focus my attention on the youth of this country and on education in the house,'' he said. "So that companies will come to Bermuda not with people but because we have the best people.''