pageantry St. George's mayor Henry Hayward said the town's World Heritage designation could "revitalise tourism'', during yesterday's Peppercorn ceremony.

Mr. Hayward told a packed St. George's Town Square that the United Nations Economic, Social and Cultural Organisation recognition will "create a unique venue in Bermuda -- to revitalise tourism''.

As Mr. Hayward spoke of St. George's battle for distinction, Regiment soldiers faced their own battle -- against the afternoon heat.

An honour Guard from Training Company, Leadership Cadre as well as the Regiment Band, paraded for Governor Thorold Masefield, Mr. Hayward, Premier Jennifer Smith, British ambassador to UNESCO David Stanton and other dignitaries, including the mayor of Lyme Regis, St. George's twin town in the UK.

Despite blazing sunshine, only a handful of soldiers actually broke ranks and collapsed as the heat overwhelmed the ranks of straight-jacket-clad conscripts.

More notably, an officer carrying the British Flag stepped out of ranks briefly, causing a quick organisational shuffle of lieutenants and senior NCOs.

Fortunately, that officer triumphantly returned the Colour Guard and carried the flag to dismissal.

The highlight of the historical ceremony came when Governor Masefield demanded rent payment of one peppercorn from the Master of the Free Mason's Lodge 200 in St. George's.

Rent payment was for the State House, which was the scene of meetings of Her Majesty's Council and the site of many functions in and before 1816, when St.George's was the Island's capital.

It was granted to the Mayor, Alderman and Common Council of St. George's in trust for Lodge St. George's Number 200 when the seat of Government was moved from the East End to Hamilton, for the annual rent of one peppercorn.

The original date for payment of rent, December 27, has since been changed to fall on the most suitable day nearest April 23, St. George's Day.

On that day, the regular meeting of the Governor's Council, which is normally held in the Cabinet Chamber in Hamilton, is held in the State House and is attended by all Members of the Cabinet.

Governor Masefield congratulated St. George's and its leaders for their hard work on the application that resulted in the World Heritage designation.

But the Governor's talk was interrupted by a Regiment spearman who fainted, diving into plastic chairs and concrete only metres from where Cabinet members were seated.

Dr. Ewart Brown, Transport Minister, assisted medics Sergeant-Major Walter Brangman and Lance Corporal Armstrong, in treating the dazed conscript.

Mr. Hayward recognised former mayor Lois Perinchief during his speech, who served the Corporation of St. George's for 33 years, before retiring last year.

And both Gov. Masefield and Mr. Hayward paid tribute to the work done to promote St. George's as a World Heritage site by the St. George's Foundation and the cosmetic reconstruction of the old town.

Mr. Hayward noted this would be Gov. Masefield's last Peppercorn Ceremony as Governor of Bermuda as his term of service ends this year.

Follow the Kilt: Freemasons are lead onto St. George's Town Square by a bagpipe player as a Regiment spearman waits for the ceremony to begin.

Greetings: Premier Jennifer Smith, Governor Thorold Masefield and Aide-de-Campe Marc Telemacque greet dignitaries at the opening of yesterday's ceremony.

In Prayer: Freemasons bow their heads during Rt. Reverend Ewen Ratteray's blessing of the Peppercorn ceremony.

Meet the Governor: Members of the Corporation of St. George's prepare to walk on stage and meet Governor Thorold Masefield.

Present Arms: Bermuda Regiment soldiers salute Governor Thorold Masefield during yesterday's Peppercorn ceremony. Several recruits found the heat too much during their long period standing to attention.