A JOYFUL CYNTHIA FORDE yesterday swore undivided loyalty to her new party leader Mia Mottley of the Barbados Labour Party, and bubbled with pride at being re-elected to the House of Assembly.

She was one of ten members of the losing party to retain a seat in the January 15 general election, easily winning the St Thomas riding with an advantage of 1 492 votes.

"Our role is still very important. The Opposition is very much a part of Government and it's our duty to keep the Government on its toes and make sure there's prudence all the time," the seasoned educator said moments before her thank-you motorcade.

"I will do the best I can in my constituency; people put their confidence in me," she added.

Forde said her workload in constituency development would focus on the St Thomas community resource centre, extending the Bridgefield pavilion, new day care facilities for infants and the elderly.

Her motorcade started at Rock Hall in St Thomas and went throughout the parish. (MS)