Partying Progressive Labour Party supporters turned back the clock over the weekend to remember the historic night many of them never dared believe would ever happen.

More than a thousand people descended on Court Street for an evening of anniversary celebrations on Saturday to relive the famous scenes from November 9, 1998, when the PLP stormed to its first General Election victory.

There was live entertainment, dancing in the streets, nostalgic T-shirts galore and a chance for people to swap stories of 1998 and thoughts on a decade of PLP rule.

"I didn't go to sleep for two days. People didn't go home until the next day. It was crazy because a lot of people still thought it was impossible," recalled PLP supporter Wayne Furbert, who presumably had fonder memories than his well-known namesake in the United Bermuda Party.

"We waited a long time for that day. It's like America with Obama now. It's not a colour thing. It's about the equality and getting people a fair shake."

Mr. Furbert said it would take the PLP Government another two terms to establish what it needs to, saying: "They need more time, plus they have got to be honest."

Anthony Woodley said: "It was triumph — real nice to see the people get what they wanted and history being made, something I thought might never happen."

Dilton White said: "It was a joyous night because no one thought it would ever take place. People from all sides of the Island came here to share their joy."

Mr. White added that with Elvin James being appointed the seventh Education Minister under the PLP, Bermuda should now look for stability in education.

Health Minister Nelson Bascome was also present, sporting a victory shirt adorned with pictures of 1998 PLP MPs including himself.

He said: "It's a big part of my life. I grew up in the Party; my father was one of the founding members; I have been a part of the PLP youth wing; I got into politics at 11."

He said at the Party headquarters there is a photograph of himself screaming for joy in 1998, adding: "Every time I see that picture, it reminds me of the euphoria I felt on that evening. It's indescribable."

Dame Jennifer Smith, the Party's first Premier, was in Court Street on Saturday with young relatives clutching PLP balloons.

She said: "It's such a historic year after the events in the US. It's just exciting to make sure that the next generation knows from where we have come and takes nothing for granted."

Other events on the weekend' agenda included a thanks and remembrance service at St. Paul's AME Church and the premiere of a tenth anniversary video at Liberty Theatre.

PLP Senator and by-election candidate Marc Bean, who spoke at the block party, told this newspaper: "This weekend's celebrations, especially the block party, reminded me what a rare privilege it is to represent Bermudians in Government.

"The PLP's accomplishments over the past ten years are the people's accomplishment and it was clear to me that they are truly appreciative of what has been done on their behalf since '98, but they also expect the next ten years to be even better. And so do I.

"That's why I'm working so hard to win on December 4, focused 100 percent on making the next ten years better than the last for all Bermudians.

"The energy and atmosphere of last night's block party has reaffirmed all the hard work needed to win next month."

Sen. Bean is challenging the UBP's Charlie Swan and independent Raymond Davis (Khalid Wasi) for the Southampton West Central seat vacated by Jon Brunson of the UBP.