elected as Mayor of St. George's.

Mr. Hayward, who held the post between 1988 and 1997, polled 106 votes to win a three-horse race.

Speaking outside the Town Hall, he said one of his first priorities will be to sit down with Government to seek a solution to the problem of double taxation in the old town.

His closest challenger, E. Michael Jones, won 83 votes, while Ross Smith secured 65 votes. Some 254 of the old town's 343 eligible voters went to the polls.

Businessman Mr. Hayward joined the race late after initially announcing that he would not stand.

But he told residents that he felt it was important for someone with his financial acumen to lead the old town in its bid for UNESCO World Heritage Status.

After he took the oath and was presented with the chain of office by outgoing Mayor Lois Perinchief outside the Town Hall, he said: "It feels good to be back and I'm looking forward to working with the Corporation, the St. George's Foundation and other bodies.

"First of all, I need to get up to date as to the financial situation of the Corporation. I am meeting with the Aldermen and Councillors and after I do that I will get down to implementing the town plan.

"The finances of the Corporation are the priority that have to be looked at.

Within the next month more statements will be coming out with a regard to that.

"One of my first objectives will be to sit down with Government to look at (double taxation). That's a Government responsiblity to see that the revenue structure is fair.

"It has been going on for years due to the historical make-up of the town. I hope that if we get World Heritage Status, which will be important to St.

George's and Bermuda, that the tax structure has got to be looked at.'' Hayward elected as Mayor Mr. Hayward said that the town was developing as a heritage centre and he did not see any likelihood of attracting international businesss from Hamilton to the old town.

"I don't think that that is a reality. It has been looked at in the past.

"For several reasons we cannot accommodate the type of development that this type of business would look at.

"It would only be for a small company that wanted to restore a building. I cannot see it as a solution to our financial problems.'' Mr. Jones, who stepped down as Town Crier because of the election, said he would consider taking up the post again if it was offered to him by the Corporation of St. George.

He said: "I will have to look at what options I have to consider. The Corporation may have someone else in mind or any other number of options.

"But I would consider any options should they consider extending any courtesies to me.

"I am disappointed but glad I did as well as I did. I want to thank the voters who came out to support. I have got lots of telephone calls from well-wishers since I got home tonight.'' Mr. Smith said: "The people have spoken, it's as simple as that. People cast their votes (for other candidates) or didn't come out for whatever reason.

"People had the right to pick who they wanted and they will get the service they deserve.'' In the ballot to elect three aldermen, Mariea Caisey topped the poll with 193 votes.

The other two elected aldermen were Kenneth Bascome with 166 votes and Louis (Red) DeSilva, 151 votes.

The unsuccessful candidate was Kingsley Francis, who polled 43 votes.

HOW ST. GEORGE'S VOTED Mayor Henry Hayward 106 E. Michael Jones 83 Ross Smith 65 Aldermen (Three seats) Mariea Caisey 193 Kenneth Bascome 166 Louis DeSilva 151 Kingsley Francis 43 Common Councillors (Five seats) Edward Benevides, William Davis, Beau Evans, Alison Outerbridge and David Raine were elected unopposed.