Showdown in St. George's
It is that exciting time again — general elections in the old town! Who will become mayor is the question on everyone’s mind.
During the last election it was so intensely close, a matter of two votes, between current mayor, E. Michael Jones and Mariea Caisey, J.P. former deputy mayor!
That drama could be a repeat this year. This dramatic event should bring the voters out for sure.
The same issues keep tossing about like little wooden boats floundering in rough seas.
Will the same old political songs keep playing, year after year? Even old records wear out through continuous play. Does anyone even play records anymore?
What will happen to the hotel on the hill? (It was the old Holiday Inn when St. George’s was enjoying the good life of many tourists with many dollars to drop in the East End economy.
The town was buzzing in the 1970s!). Since that loss various hotels have tried and flopped. We have heard so many fairy tales over the past 20 years. What is the reality? To be or not to be?
Will the Town Cut be widened by 100 or 200 feet and who will pay? Cruise ship passengers do little to boost the merchant economy in St. George’s regardless of them being mega or small ships.
They eat, drink and shop aboard ship and when they do open their wallets they want a shopper’s discount.
If the mega ships come will that effect the precious water supply of the ancient town which breaks down regularly and leaves the citizens without flushing water in their toilets? Yes, this is a reality for people with small water tanks and there are numerous historic properties with such.
And a simpler question is when is St. George’s going to have a regular ferry service to Hamilton as it did after Hurricane Fabian September 5, 2003?
This would help curb the motor traffic in Hamilton and perhaps be kinder to our environment.
It might even save lives as people would opt to hop on a fast, yet relaxed ferry, rather than a motorbike.You would not have to worry as much about parking in Hamilton — another challenge in itself, not to mention the expense.
Also ferry transportation would lessen the burden on the already jammed buses.
The same questions keep coming up from our citizens but St. George’s officials quietly keep these issues anchored at some mysterious mooring—.is it Coot Pond?
Perhaps St. George’s politicians should learn to be more like St. George’s Foundation. It quietly goes about establishing restoration, preservation and raising monies to sustain its goals as a World Heritage Site.
More action than rhetoric takes place to meet their objectives.
If any organisation and its focused leaders has the interest of St. George’s at heart it is these dedicated soldiers of history. They are admirable as they set goals and see them through to fruition.
Town secretary, Nancy Hooper, advises The Corporation of St. George’s, the Municipalities Act 1923, will be holding election of the mayor, aldermen and common councillors.
The polling date is Thursday January 26 from 11 am to 8 pm. at Town Hall, St. George’s Square.
Nominations are to be delivered January 19:
“The Returning Officer, Robert Stanley Lewis J.P., will be present at the Town Hall from 11 am to 1 pm to accept nominations of candidates together with deposits of $250 in respect of each candidate.”
“Forms of Nomination Paper may be obtained from the Secretary of the Corporation at Storekeeper’s House during the usual office hours of the Corporation.”
Ms Hooper concludes: “In order to vote in the Municipal Elections it will be necessary to produce proper identification such as: Parliamentary Voter Card, current Bermuda Driver’s License, valid Special Person Card, Senor Citizen’s Card or valid passport.”
Should you have questions regarding the election, contact Nancy Hooper at 297-1532.
