a third term in office in the municipal elections set for this month.

Mr. Hayward served notice yesterday in the Official Gazette that he was calling a general Corporation of St. George's election on May 26.

He had until December 31 as municipal elections must be held every three years.

Mr. Hayward, who has been in office six years, said he was not yet aware of any possible challenges with the elections coming as a "surprise'' to most St. Georgians.

"A lot of times people wait until just before the elections to announce a challenge,'' added Corporation Secretary Mrs. Lily Oatley.

The Royal Gazette understands Alderman Mr. Ross Smith may consider running against the Mayor.

Another possibility is Mr. Gladstone Trott, who ran against Mr. Hayward in the 1991 elections, losing by 65-176 votes.

Any nominations, together with the required $250 deposit, must be submitted to the Returning Officer Mr. Miles Outerbridge on May 19 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Nomination forms can be obtained from the Corporation offices.

In order to vote in the municipal elections, St. Georgians must produce proper identification such as a Parliamentary Voters Card, current Bermuda drivers licence, valid Special Persons Card, Senior Citizens Card or valid passport.

Apart from Mr. Smith, the Aldermen standing for election are Ms Lois Perinchief and Mrs. Noela Haycock.

The Corporation Common Councillors are Mr. Shirley Gibbons, Mr. Leon (Jimmy) Williams, Mr. Randolph Dowling, Mr. E. Michael Jones and Mr. Terry Roberts.

A public meeting will be held in the St. George's Town Hall on Wednesday at 8 p.m.

On the agenda are future plans for the town, the Activities Committee's report and Chamber of Commerce events for the summer.

Mr. Hayward said a new traffic flow system would be announced at the meeting in anticipation of the new East End cruise ship.

He urged municipal voters to attend the meeting to put forth their views. The Mayor would only reveal the new system would include `pedestrianising' the majority of Kings Square.

The Water Street traffic system, implemented last cruise season, would remain unchanged.