An ex-Bermuda Police officer was on Monday pipped at the post for a seat in his native St. Vincent's parliament.

Former Det. Ch. Insp. Norrell Hull, who retired from the Bermuda force in January, lost out by just 500 votes in a hotly-contested general election.

Mr. Hull -- a St. Vincent and Grenadines government senator -- stood for the ruling New Democratic Party, which held on to power by just one seat.

He lost out in the Central Leeward constituency to an Opposition Unity Labour Party candidate.

Mr. Hull said yesterday: "I'm a bit disappointed -- but not discouraged.'' And Mr. Hull, a parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, did not rule out standing for parliament again.

He said: "I haven't really thought about it, but it's an option I will be considering.'' Prime Minister James Mitchell's party, in charge of the Caribbean former British colony for the last 14 years, retained power by eight seats to seven.

Mr. Hull -- a 28-year veteran of the Bermuda force who was awarded the Colonial Police Medal in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours List -- said he was enjoying his new life, but admitted he missed Bermuda.

He added: "I don't think anybody wouldn't miss Bermuda -- but change is inevitable.

"But I'm now parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works and I'm working very hard.

"I'm learning a lot -- we are responsible for all the infrastructure of St.

Vincent, roads and bridges as well as telephones and anything to do with communication.'' The New Democratic Party, which once held 12 of the 15 seats in the country's parliament, triumphed despite an electorate worried over the future of the banana industry and 45 percent unemployment.

Both parties promised to boost tourism and support the banana industry, struggling in the wake of a World Trade Organisation order to eliminate preferential treatment for the European Union for Caribbean banana producers.

Bananas and tourism are the two main industries on the eastern Caribbean islands.

POLICEMAN POL