That was the unequivocal message on Court Street early this morning as thousands of Bermudians gathered for a party which seemed likely to last well into the balance of the week.

"This is not like the Bermuda I know,'' said Stoney of reggae band Third World, deep in the throng outside the Progressive Labour Party's headquarters.

"This is much more like Jamaica, where we're from. This is not an Election celebration. It's a party!'' His colleague Cat agreed. "We're proud to be here at a historic moment in this country's development,'' he said.

The party had started at about 7 p.m. Police had cordoned off Court Street for several blocks around Alaska Hall. The crowd on Court Street had grown as the night progressed. Here was the "New Bermuda'' PLP leader Jennifer Smith had promised -- and delivered. She delivered her victory speech a little after 12.30 a.m. to the ecstatic crowd.

Wild party erupts on Court Street "I waited 35 years for tonight,'' said one young man, rather younger than the party whose electoral victory he had come to celebrate. "We waited 400 years,'' said another, equally young man with tears in his eyes.

With a stage erected at the intersection of Court Street and Angle Street, with microphones onstage and speakers all around, the celebration could not be described as impromptu, but joy there was, all around.

Into this dancing, singing throng had arrived Dale Butler, shortly after midnight, victorious and not a little tired, entirely unable to find a parking space anywhere near Alaska Hall, his supposed destination.

"Is this a great night or is this a great night?'' asked an older man, beer in hand, of no one in particular. The question needed no reply.

"My mother is here. Her mother is here. My daughter is here,'' said a woman, pointing to a five-year-old girl who looked a little awed by the whole experience. "This will be the greatest night of her life.'' The child looked unconvinced, but with history looking over her shoulder, it was certainly a night she will remember for the rest of her days.

ELECTION REPRINT SPECIAL ISSUED 13th NOVEMBER 1998