aware of our environment. The total beauty of the Bermuda we live in is made up of all sorts of different things, many in themselves insignificant, which amount to a beautiful Bermuda. As we go about our daily lives, it is necessary to keep an eye on the small things which create the total Bermuda. Too often it is easy to let things slip bit by bit until there is a major problem. If we take care not to create small problems then the total of a beautiful Bermuda is secure.

Often things which are convenient for us as individuals or small groups are not the best things for Bermuda. We should try to think what will serve Bermuda best before looking after ourselves. In a small and heavily populated Island, individual actions do make a difference and do impact on all the people. We do not have the luxury of selfish action.

Recently it has been very noticeable that signs are beginning to be hung on hedges and walls and draped on bushes. Sometimes they are plain white signs with black lettering and sometimes the sign also carries an advertisement for soft drinks. They announce such things as ball games and fishing tournaments and they do not add to Bermuda's beauty. In fact, they do not add anything except some slight information which can easily be transmitted in other ways.

We think these signs indicate a lack of care for Bermuda and are the kind of small action which detracts from the beauty of Bermuda.

PARKING IN HAMILTON DLW EDT RG P4 10.8.1993 Parking in Hamilton It is interesting that Hamilton shops have now noticed that lack of parking is hurting their business. This newspaper has been pointing that out for near 20 years. Basically, when cities become uncomfortable to use, they begin to die because their customers begin to disappear. Bermuda also has to remember that fact when dealing with numbers of visitors.

Hamilton merchants could help the situation by taking a hard look at whether they need so many loading zones. They could also try to arrange their deliveries for non-peak hours. It would also be wise to discourage employees from parking at the sidewalk and running out every 55 minutes to move the car.

Every space occupied by the store or its employees means less customers.

Part of the problem is obstructed streets on which the traffic cannot flow.

That is caused by people who stop in a lane to wait for or load or unload passengers, or just to chat. They have little or no concern for other road users. The Police do not seem able to control that behaviour and maybe Hamilton will have to hire mobile wardens to hand out obstruction tickets.

That would be a start.