effect that Bermuda should continue to build on the traditional features of its tourism. We have no problem with that as long as the Hon. C.V. Woolridge really means "build on'' and does not think that we can live successfully in the past. We agree that island destinations should solidify the things which made them what they are. Our problem is that we think, and Mr. Woolridge may well agree, that Bermuda gave up too much of what made it the best of the islands.

Traditional features which visitors found attractive and different from what they had at home certainly made Bermuda what it is today. We think that Bermuda should look after those traditional features while taking care that the Country is not so traditional that it ossifies.

Many of Bermuda's North American visitors came here because Bermuda was overseas, "quaint'' and British.

Well, it is still overseas, even though it is no longer as "different'' as overseas used to imply.

"Quaint'' simply disappeared with such things as the general motorisation of Bermuda, the adoption of ugly international traffic signs, and the construction of some truly awful high rise buildings.

Over the years, because some Bermudians did not like it, we made efforts to give up the Britishness but we did that to our general detriment because visitors enjoyed the Britishness and it was part of our attractiveness as a resort as well as part of our history and heritage. There is no reason why we cannot build on the Britishness and equally no reason why we cannot save what we have left of the Bermudian environment.

Visitors also came here because of Bermuda's God given natural beauty, and they still do. That beauty is not what it was once nor is Bermuda as beautiful as it could have been if we had taken more care.

Too often Bermuda has given up things the visitors wanted because those things no longer pleased Bermudians. For example, we gave up outdoor entertainment in favour of drab air conditioned rooms. Entertainers with the Bermudian spirit found themselves shunned in favour of flashy showrooms which visitors had in abundance at home. Thus we were very happy to hear last week that steps are being taken to turn the water level of Number Six Shed into an island club.

Bermuda should certainly look after its traditions and take care of the amenities, including its people, which made it so attractive to visitors.

However, it has to build on what is best and on what the visitors find most attractive. While protecting its image, Bermuda has to be careful not to become worn out and dull. We agree with the Minister of Tourism that Bermuda should not engage in gimmicks but it must also be careful not to be a bore.