After six years with the Cultural Affairs Department, Gary Burgess has decided to call it a day.

Dr. Burgess, 66, said yesterday that he had simply reitred. ?It?s no big story ? I?m tired and old. That?s all there is to it.?

This is Dr. Burgess? second retirement ? he returned to Bermuda after a 22 year stint as professor of voice and opera at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

He had had a distinguished career in opera as a soloist, director and conductor, but chose to come home and serve as programme cocordinator at the Department of Cultural Affairs in 1998.

Last year he was honoured with a Legacy Award by the National Opera Association.

Dr. Burgess was Acting Cultural Affairs Director when he retired this month.

He said he is currently writing a symphony and may eventually write his memoirs.

His main contributions to the Department was to expand on its programmes, he said.

And Dr. Burgess says he will be a part-time resident of Bermuda.

?I?ll be doing a little more travelling ? going back and forth to other parts of the globe,? he said.

?I want to enjoy what little time I have left on this earth.?