consider than hamburgers. It is true that there are important problems which exist but most of them are receiving attention. It takes time and a concerted effort to deal with tourism and with some of our social ills but there is progress.

If we wreck Bermuda's appeal to visitors with golden arches and Taco Bells, that will have a direct impact on tourism and on our social problems as the Country's income declines. We must not view franchises in isolation or as just hamburgers.

Tourism and the income Bermudians receive from visitors are being worked on in fresh and exciting ways but there is no magic solution. Many of our social problems stem from drugs and alcohol and moves are afoot from rewriting the Liquor Licensing Act to rehabilitation for those with drug problems.

Fast food franchises are different. If we have fast food outlets we will change the character of Bermuda, perhaps forever. We will become another litter-strewn North American suburb and not the unique island Bermudians for generations have tried so hard to achieve. We do not have the space to hide these franchises and while many people have been lulled into thinking we will only have McDonald's that is not true. If these franchises are allowed others will inevitably follow McDonald's and the character of Bermuda will change.

Much of Bermuda's success in tourism has been based on being different; an island of God given beauty with unique architecture and a distinct and attractive character.

The thrust in tourism these days seems to be toward less visitors spending more money. That means quality visitors serviced by a quality Country. The very essence of providing quality involves staying away from the less desirable features of North America; the ones so many people wish they did not have at home. One of the things visitors like most about Bermuda is the lack of crass commercialism.

Then too, these food franchises receive overpowering publicity on the television stations which Bermuda receives on Cable TV. Have you noticed the Subway advertising recently? That is a franchise chain and so is the Olive Garden and Red Lobster. That advertising alone will allow these billion dollar chains to swamp local restaurants.

Those restaurant owners who have expressed concern are correct. They will be in great danger of being wiped out. The public should have great sympathy with hard working Bermudians who have local fast food places and, by and large, serve people well. They will have great difficulty competing with multi-national chains. These chains work to a formula which includes paying minimum wages. Do not think they will be a source of good jobs.

Do we really want to see the end of the lunch wagons and places like Reid's and The Spot? They are Bermudian and a part of Bermuda and have been for countless years.

Our sign laws need revising and right now are often ignored. That means there is real danger that fast food outlets will simply blight the landscape. Litter is a problem now and will grow with more and more take-out packaging. The Airport is a visitor's greeting and farewell to Bermuda. Do we want their first and last impressions to be McDonald's?