Mayor of Hamilton Sutherland Madeiros last night pledged that he would "do everything in his power" to ensure that the Bermuda Society of Arts, the Bermuda National Gallery and City Hall Theatre remain at City Hall.

During his speech officially opening the BNG's Winter Exhibitions, Mr. Madeiros made clear to the packed gathering of local and foreign dignitaries, Government ministers, sponsors, artists, members and friends of the Bermuda National Gallery that he fully supported the aforementioned arts venues remaining where they are.

"I am either a very foolish or a brave man standing here tonight," the Mayor began to knowing murmurs, "but I am glad to be here."

Aligning himself with his late predecessor, Mr. Jay Bluck, whom he described as "a very good friend and mentor of the arts", Mr. Madeiros said: "Just as Paris has the Louvre, London has the National Gallery, New York has the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Madrid has the Prada, Hamilton must have a permanent home for the arts.

"As the Mayor of Hamilton I have heard the call from many sectors of the community, and I want to assure the people of Bermuda that I will do everything in my power to ensure that the Bermuda Society of Arts, the Bermuda National Gallery, and City Hall Theatre will continue to call City Hall their home."

Not surprisingly, the Mayor's words were greeted with enthusiastic applause.

Approached at the conclusion of his speech, Mr. Madeiros confirmed that he stood behind what he had said, but refused to be drawn on when the Corporation would make its decision regarding the fate of the Bermuda Society of Arts.

Citing the need for additional office space, the City fathers initially gave the Society six months' notice to quit the large gallery which has been its home of almost 50 years by the end June this year, but later extended the deadline to the end of December, 2008.

The unpopular move has caused an uproar throughout the community, with people from all walks of life, including former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith, Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler, businessmen and others, voicing their disapproval, and calling upon the Corporation to reverse its decision.

The Corporation conducts its business behind closed doors, and neither releases details of how its members vote on any issue nor makes public any minutes of its meetings.