The Mayor of St George celebrated a successful year in the Old Towne during the annual Peppercorn Ceremony yesterday.

Quinell Francis said: “During the 2017/18 fiscal year, we have undertaken several restoration and improvements projects, including upgrades to the dock at Market Wharf and Ordnance Island and the completion of work in the ferry dock at Hunter’s Wharf.”

She added: “I take this opportunity to thank all the contractors and corporation staff who have been instrumental in bringing these projects to fruition.

“In particular, I would like to thank the Minister of Home Affairs, the honourable Walton Brown, and the Minister of Public Works, the honourable David Burch, for their support in these initiatives in positioning us to better serve our residents and business owners.”

Ms Francis was speaking as she joined other dignitaries to honour the day the Masonic Lodge St George’s took over the Old State House as its headquarters in 1815 for a rent of one peppercorn a year.

Guests included John Rankin, the Governor, David Burt, the Premier, and Major Warren Furbert, second-in-command at the Royal Bermuda Regiment, representing Lieutenant-Colonel David Curley, the RBR’s commanding officer.

Members of the Corporation of St George, Commissioner of Police Michael DeSilva, and representatives of the island’s Freemasons also attended.

Ms Francis said highlights since the last ceremony included improvements to historic structures and services in the town and looked forward to more developments.

She thanked the staff at the Corporation of St George for their “dedication and service to the community of St George’s.”

Ms Francis added: “In light of the Government’s decision to defer the next municipal election, Mr Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, and I have committed that our respective municipalities will partner with the Government collaboratively.”

She said there had been a “positive impact associated with the St George’s hotel project”, including increased traffic and more commercial activity.

John Dale, the master of ceremonies, paid tribute to the work of the RBR for their work “protecting the people,

property, livelihood and interests of Bermuda”.