No Annual Exhibition, no holiday. And worst of all... no girls!

It will certainly not be flowers and vegetables that many teenage boys miss with the cancellation of the Botanical Gardens extravaganza.

Take Berkeley Institute student Brian Ming. One imagines male youths throughout Bermuda will identify with his reaction.

“I feel bad that it has been cancelled because I want the holiday and look forward to seeing the girls.”

Oh yes, the loss of a holiday. That too seemed equally on the mind of students. No holiday meant no break from all that schoolwork.

Said Rachael Antonition: “I don't think it's good because we like the exhibits and the secret garden.”

Her younger brother Shane Antonition added: “Plus they cancelled the holiday - so no day off. School gets annoying and hard around that time of year. We need a break.”

Berkeley Institute student Darr'L Burchall threw culture and tourism into the arguments against cancellation.

“If they don't have it they should still give us a break from school. Cancelling it affects our culture and tourism because the exhibition brings tourists.”

One CedarBridge Academy student suggested finding a new venue.

“I am very upset that it is cancelled because it is a tradition. They should put it somewhere else,” said Christine Judd.

Tradition was a theme picked up on by others who spoke to The Royal Gazette yesterday during an unscientific survey in Hamilton.

Said Claytina Swan: “Well, it is kind of upsetting because it is tradition and kids look forward to it.”

Berkeley Institute student Norris Wilkinson was adamant. “It's tradition and you can't just stop it.”

Margot Reeves said: “It is a shame because they have never cancelled it before that I am aware of.”

Berkeley Institute student Marvin Williams agreed. “It's a shame we won't have it this year.”

Several people showed sympathy for the young, among them Rudolph Swan.

“I am disappointed because a lot of children look forward to it and putting in exhibits,” he said.

Stephen Deallie described the cancellation as “terrible”, saying his four children always enjoyed the event.

Of course, there is usually someone with an opposing view and The Royal Gazette found one.

A man, who did not wish to be named said : “I think the professionals know what they are doing and the masses should just accept it.”