store opening in Hamilton. In Bermuda we have a tendency to try things and, if they do not work very quickly, it takes a long time to get anyone interested in taking another chance. Street closings, which many people support as the ultimate answer to narrow streets and heavy traffic, is an option which has been tried in both Hamilton and St. George's and then given up, we think, without sufficient trial. There is little doubt that the Reid Street block between Burnaby and Queen streets will eventually be closed to vehicles simply because people are now taking to the street and blocking the flow of vehicles.

For a long time this newspaper has advocated loosening up Bermuda with different opening hours and different approaches to shoppers and diners to alleviate what we can only think of as Bermuda's old-fashioned image.

The last time we referred to Bermuda as a "Granny'' who needed to lift her skirts, we were firmly put in place by a well-known granny, of the human variety, and we use the term Granny now only as descriptive in an historical sense. Bermuda is generally seen by both visitors and locals as a lovable Granny but it has to learn to change its rather antique ways -- not take to bikinis which might be undignified -- but relax, lift its skirts and have a little fun.

We think Wednesday night store openings are visitor friendly, allowing people to sightsee, boat and beach during the day, and still have time to buy those take-home gifts in the evening. We think that evening openings will be welcomed by cruise visitors who are on floating hotels in the middle of Hamilton. This can be just the beginning of relaxing Bermuda to suit today's visitor rather than forcing visitors to conform to Bermuda's First World War opening hours. Life and how time is spent are more casually observed than they used to be, especially on vacation. Other resorts have learned that you have to be open when people want to spend and it is time for Bermuda to catch up.

Along with late opening, Hamilton needs to work on creative usage of the waterfront. The edge of one of the most beautiful harbours in the world should not be used as a car park. It should be used to enhance Hamilton and to add attractions which visitors and locals can enjoy. Hamilton needs to move outdoors and be more joyful.

Good things have been happening in Hamilton but there is plenty of room for more. The National Gallery and the Masterworks Collection are first-class examples of what can be done when people get going and they are great additions to Hamilton. We are providing attractions of major importance. That is wonderful. Now we need to lighten up and enjoy.