Bermuda College students threw their support behind their official voice, Kenneth Caesar, and re-elected him as student government president.

Mr. Caesar beat out Belcario Thomas as the top student representative by 59 votes to 38 after five hours of voting.

The count took more than an hour and the College's director of admissions Jeannette Matthew emerged after 4 p.m. with the results.

Just 97 full-time students cast their votes out of a student body of more than 400. "I'm relieved with the result and pleased with the turnout,'' Mr. Caesar said.

"Our plans will be to build up on the student organisation,'' he added. "We also want to make student employment on the campus more in focus as an issue.

It will boost morale.'' He called the week-long campaign "very challenging'' and added: "I felt that I had begun something and I really wanted to finish it.'' Mr. Thomas said he was encouraged by the democratic process and wanted to encourage other students to get involved.

"It's healthy to have interest groups. We learn more when we interact more.'' Mr. Thomas was gracious in defeat, saying: "I congratulate him (Mr. Ceasar).

He will do well.'' How they voted President Kenneth Caesar 59 Belcario Thomas 38 Vice President April Fisher 46 Deanna Deshield 45 Secretary Keith Ceasar 54 Davida Morris 41 Stefan Dupres ran for treasurer uncontested.