May 9, 2003

Dear Sir,

This week I went to the first Harbour Night of the season in Hamilton. In the past, I have gone only once a year, not because I don't want to support the event, but because the music is so loud, you can't hear yourself think.

It was not too well attended. There were five cruise ships in Bermuda, but very few of the passengers came to Hamilton for the occasion, nowhere near as many as there used to be.

I have some observations that I thought might help the organisers.

First, it is getting too expensive. Charging people $75 a night for a stand is ridiculous. The event was put together to help merchants, and now it costs them so much to be there that I can't see it helps anyone but the organisers.

Second, the mayor was there to open the event. But he read his speech (if it was his own writing, he doesn't seem to be able to read it too well) and just left. I think he should mingle with the crowd afterwards, make the tourists feel more welcome. And he should wear his medallion when he comes.

Third, this year, there has to be an organised effort to get Spanish Town to turn the music down. I love music, but when it is so loud it makes your teeth rattle, you can't enjoy it. I think the problem may be that there are only so many speakers, and the farther away from the flagpole you are, the lower the volume. So they turn it up for the people at the far ends. But anywhere close to the middle, it could cause ear damage.

I have to add that the sweepers who work for the Corporation of Hamilton do an excellent job of cleaning up before and after.

CHARLES SPANSWICK

City of Hamilton