It has been an eventful year for Louis (Red) Desilva, J.P. St. George?s town manager who was appointed by Mayor E. Michael Jones last March 28.

At that time he left his job with the Bermuda National Trust to replace Lance Furbert, local historian and former town manager.

As a common councillor for six years, followed by six years as an alderman, Mr. Desilva was known about town as ?quite an affable fellow? and his reputation continues to reflect that same positive and popular light.

One might ponder exactly what it is that Mr. Desilva does behind his generous desk in the Corporation Office on Ordnance Island. When this question was recently posed Mr. Desilva said: ?Maybe the question should be, what don?t I do??

?My role is broad and entails dealings with everything from horse droppings to meeting with governmental department heads. On the amazingly pleasant spectrum I will always remember dining with Prince Andrew of England.?

Mr. Desilva further explained: ?The town manager role is ever changing and new issues are constantly popping up. No two days are the same.?

He shares that in his job he has to be cooperative, an excellent listener and pay attention to the many concerns of the townspeople.

On a more personable level Mr. Desilva says he is easy to get along with but believes in speaking the truth and has no fear of doing so. ?If someone says or does something that I don?t like, I will tell that person.?

Since his appointment to town manager he says that he is learning to understand ?what makes the town tick?, especially with such a small staff and a shoestring budget.

One of his greatest challenges this year involves the cruise ship industry featuring the Panamax ships. ?Panamax? designates the largest ship capable of navigating the Panana Canal.

There has been a lot of thought about the decision to alter Town Cut to accommodate the huge Panamax vessels, with an approximate length of 900 or so feet.

?The mayor has met with government and various individuals to collect information and receive directives. Making a smart and accurate assessment is the best way forward and this will happen soon.?

Mr. Desilva shared that the town is trying to locate a plot of property to use as a community garden where flowers or vegetables can be grown and tended by our town folk.

Other goals which he mentioned include:

The town?s traffic problems during peak season.

Demand on the water and sewage system. A committee has been appointed to investigate these.

Replacing the Town Hall roof.

Bricking Church Lane and Broad Alley.

Enhancement on the Rose Hill road.

Naming a few of the nameless lanes and alleys around town.

?I really enjoy my rapport with our town folks. We all contribute to making the town friendly and comfortable to live in,? said Mr. Desilva.

He welcomes people to call him with any town concerns or ideas. His number is: 297-1532.