Town Cut must be modified in order to secure cruise ships in the east end, according to St George’s MP Kenneth Bascome.

However, he said the results of a 2011 study that proposed the near destruction of three islands at a cost of as much as $71 million went too far and a more measured option could be found.

“That was above and beyond anything that anyone would agree to,” Mr Bascome said. “Since then, we have had some discussions about something that would be less intrusive.

“I believe that something has to be done with the Town Cut channel. We keep hearing that there are smaller ships out there but every time we have spoken with the ships, the major players, those smaller ships are being used for doing the Mediterranean cruises or around-the-world cruises. At this stage, I don’t think Bermuda will secure a ship carrying less than 2,500 people.

“Modifications have to take place. It is my intention to hold a meeting in the very near future. I’m hoping the Corporation will be a part of it because we need to make a solid decision.”

Asked if he was concerned that, with the growing size of cruise ships, a smaller modification would fall short of the town’s needs in the long term, he said: “I believe there will always be that 2,500 passenger ship. I believe we will always have that size of ship that is willing to visit Bermuda.

“We are still considered to be a premier destination and with the proper negotiations Government, with the town of St George’s, could secure a ship of that size.”

Mr Bascome said while the cost of such a project could be great, cruise ship companies eager to return to the town could be willing to partner with the Government to fund the work.

“The country is not making the kind of money that it once earned with the downturn of the economy and a number of people leaving the Island. However, I believe that with the proper negotiations this could be a public-private project,” Mr Bascome said.

“In some conversations that I have actually been a part of, that was one of the things that was discussed. That the cruise ship principles would be willing to cover part of the bill with certain concessions being given.”

He also noted a suggestion of building a new pier on the northern side of St George’s Island. While the proposal would allow larger ships to visit the east end without modifying Town Cut, he said the idea would be less beneficial for the town.

“I believe it would defy the purpose,” he said. “The ship needs to be in the harbour so that the commerce in the town will receive the full impact of having a cruise ship at port.”

While the former Mayor acknowledged that the town was coming out of a very slow season, he said two new businesses were preparing to open their doors in the near future and he was thankful that the Millenium ferry will continue to service the east end this summer.

“We have heard a lot of negative about it but talking to some of the shopkeepers, they are very pleased with it being designated specifically to St George’s,” Mr Bascome said. “I don’t believe that last year it missed a single trip and that in itself is a plus.

“Some people say it’s bringing less people than when we had multiple ferries. However, you could then be at the whims of the weather and mechanical problems. On numerous occasions I had received phone calls that the ferry had been cancelled for the day, and that is just as bad as when the ship used to bypass the town. So far, the Millenium has always come on its designated schedule.”

Together with the townspeople, attractions and UNESCO World Heritage status, Mr Bascome said St George’s had the potential to be Bermuda’s crown jewel, and he believed it would be highlighted as the Government works to revitalise the tourism industry.

“We have a living museum but the downside of St George’s in past years is that the Government has not put any emphasis on this end of the Island while we have just sat up here and moaned and moaned,” he said.

“I believe now with myself, Suzann Holshouser and Nandi Outerbridge, we are keeping it in the fore that St George’s needs to be in the mix when it comes to economic and tourism planning.”