April is always an eventful time for St George’s as the Old Town finds its sense of renewal. There is a joyful renaissance led by the lady of the land — newly elected Mayor, Mariea Caisey.During the past month, the Town Square has been bustling with energy.

Workmen have been diligently working, visitors are beginning to ramble and seek information and have a chat at the Visitors Service Bureau. The tourism season is here!

The cruise ship passengers, docked at Penno’s Wharf, arrive in St. George’s on April 24. The Town’s narrow streets will be walked by hundreds of welcomed visitors asking those famous questions: “Which way to the bus and when and where does it go? How much does it cost?”

When the Mayor was asked her projection on tourist numbers for Bermuda she thinks this year is going to yield a high number.

On another cruise topic the Mayor shared that she is awaiting the simulation study findings that Government’s Marine and Ports have had done.

At the instigation of former Mayor E. Michael Jones and under the guidance and authority of Mayor Caisey and the Corporation, historic Town Hall is progressing nicely as the new roof is nearly restored.

Workmen from the Corporation and Good Speed Construction Company have replaced the roof, which will be ready for the Peppercorn Ceremony on April 26.

“I am very proud of the progress that our Corporation Workers and Good Speed Construction have made toward Town Hall’s restoration,” she said. “All are commended for the great job they have done.”

In previous years, Ms Caisey attended the Peppercorn ceremony as Deputy Mayor so this year will be very special to her. As Mayor she will be coming to the Square in high Bermuda style — a handsome horse pulled carriage.

“I will have the task of giving the annual speech on behalf of the Corporation. I am very excited and looking forward to the historic pageantry and being part of it all.”

The ceremony has the following history. The final meeting of the House of Assembly was held in the State House on December 24, 1814.

Hamilton became Bermuda’s capital on January 1, 1815 at which time the building was let to the Masonic Lodge, St. George’s No. 200 at an annual rent of one peppercorn to be paid, if demanded, on the Feast of St. John.

Most people are aware of the rental of the building being one peppercorn per annum plus the right of the Governor to hold a meeting of council.

Payment is made annually during the Peppercorn Ceremony on the Wednesday nearest St. George’s Day, April 23. It is one of the highlights of the year in St. George’s.

On this day the Cabinet of the Bermuda Government holds their traditional annual St. George’s meeting in the historic State House

Known as one of the oldest standing English buildings in the New World, the State House was built by Governor Nathaniel Butler in 1620. It was one of the first buildings in Bermuda to be built of Bermuda stone. The actual host of this prestigious event, attended by the Governor and his Lady in a horse drawn carriage, is the Bermuda Regiment.

The Regiment’s pomp and circumstance is very much at the core with the Regiment Band traditionally performing on the Square.

You always hear the splendid marching band, dressed in handsome uniform, before you see them.

Spectators, mostly visitors pack the Square. Mayor Caisey said: “It would be wonderful if more of our school children, accompanied by teachers, could come and see this historic event. “They would experience a true history lesson in our World Heritage Site.”

After the ceremony, an elegant reception is hosted by the Mayor, Alderman and Councillors of the St. George’s Corporation held at Somers’ Garden. Hopefully beautiful weather will prevail.

It is attended by the Governor, the Mayor and elected officials, special guests and the Bermuda Regiment Band. It will be a sterling, catered affair by The Carriage House.