still in dire straits due to a lack of cash.

Ms Perinchief told Hamilton Lions' members at their weekly luncheon that the Corporation of St. George's, the St. George's Chamber of Commerce and area businesses faced a number of problems due to a severe lack of funding.

The Mayor explained how much of the problems stemmed from the fact that the Corporation of St. George's was unable to collect all the wharfage on goods brought in at the Bermuda International Airport.

The Corporation used to collect all of the airport wharfage, but she said the United Bermuda Party stopped that some time ago, instead paying the Corporation an annual fixed rate of $750,000. Ms Perinchief noted that the lack of funds meant the renovation of Storekeeper's Cottage on Ordnance Island, which could be used to house Corporation offices, was on hold.

"There is a wonderful old building on Ordnance Island known as Storekeeper's Cottage, sitting there where everyone can see it, and we can do nothing about it, simply because we do not have the money to do what needs to be done to it,'' she said.

"It sticks out like a sore thumb. It is in a wonderful location for offices and the Corporation had hope of utilising it for our offices on the top floor and renting the second floor for offices or something that could bring us revenue. We are inviting anyone with any feasible ideas and the finance to back it up to contact us. We will be glad to listen.'' Turning to the Chamber of Commerce, Ms Perinchief noted the organisation was struggling because of a lack of finances which was, in turn, deterring members from joining.

"Business people felt `why should we pay all that money for membership dues, when they don't seem to be doing too much for us','' she said. "So here we are stuck with a situation knowing full well you cannot do too much without a certain amount of financing.'' The Corporation could not assist the Chamber in breaking out of the vicious cycle, she noted, as it did not have the funds either.

Meanwhile, the East End is being scoured to find a possible location for the planned St. George's Heritage Centre.