Controversial mega cruise ships are set to go under the microscope in the historic old capital of Bermuda.

And the views of local people on the potential problems or benefits of the new generation of super ships is to be canvassed as part of an exhibition organised by the St. George's Foundation.

Foundation member Curator of Forts Lance Furbert -- currently trying for a coveted United Nations World Heritage Site award for St. George's -- said the group was taking a wait-and-see approach to the possibility of massive ships visiting the old town.

And he added: "The attitude of the Foundation at this point is that we don't want to be closed minded about these things.'' But he said the Foundation was determined to balance the good of the community -- including local residents -- with more tourists and the profitability of shop owners.

Former Tourism Minister C.V. (Jim) Woolridge torpedoed talk of mega-ships last month and warned their introduction would destroy both St. George's and Hamilton Harbours.

And Mr. Woolridge added extra tourists would place too big a strain on the Island's resources -- including historic St. George's.

Current cruise ships have to negotiate the narrow Town Cut passage into St.

George's Harbour -- and bigger ships would probably need more room.

Proposals floated for Hamilton include a 600-feet pier built into the harbour.

St. George's and Dockyard were also discussed in a special report, although no specific proposals were contained in the draft document.

Mr. Furbert -- who talked to Hamilton Rotary Club on the World Heritage bid -- admitted that some may see the mega-ships, up to 950 feet long and with as many as 3,300 passengers and crew, as destructive.

He said: "These possibilities do exist. On the other hand, the St. George's Foundation has gone to great lengths to get in the right sort of experts to talk about handling the numbers of people we might have.

"The town itself is a small place -- but there is a lot of stuff people don't see, like the forts and the north end of St. George's, where there is a lot of history.

"It doesn't necessarily mean they will all be in King's Square when planning is done in the right way.'' But Mr. Furbert said: "Everybody needs to get together and see what the benefits and the negatives are. I don't think enough information is known about the subject just now.'' Mr. Furbert was speaking after the Foundation announced a major exhibition starting on February 21 covering the history of St. George's -- and its challenges for the future.

The exhibition -- to be opened by Premier Jennifer Smith -- will cover what World Heritage status means and how it has reaped benefits elsewhere.

It will also spotlight architectural gems and potential problems from development of the town into a major international site.

St. George's people will all receive personal invitations to the exhibition and invited to fill special feedback forms, as well as being asked to take part in `town hall'-style meetings.

Foundation chairman Louis Mowbray said: "We have some fascinating history in our midst in St. George's -- but we also have a living, working town and we have to consider the needs and interests of the St. George's residents as well as those of our visitors.'' Mr. Furbert added: "One of the things we think is absolutely necessary is that the quality of life in St. George's doesn't change. The management plan will look very closely at that to make sure the merchants are happy and that the people who live here are happy.

"It is a difficult balance -- but if there's anywhere where it can be done, St. George's is it. It's got a long history of doing that balancing act.'' World Heritage and Bermuda opens in the Cruise Ship Terminal, Ordnance Island, from Monday, February 21 to March 4. Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Public meetings in St. George's will be held on Feburary 28 and March 7 and a guided walkabout will also be held on Sunday, February 27 starting at 3 p.m.

297-8043.

PARISH PAR