The battle to see who will be elected the new Mayor of St. George's officially got under way yesterday when nominations were submitted for the old town's election.

As predicted, three hopefuls consisting of Town Crier E. Michael Jones, Ross Smith and Henry Hayward have put themselves forward for the top job and have just one week to win over the voters. Each of them hopes to be the one to lead the town through its bid for world heritage status by UNESCO, which could bring huge cash rewards for the area.

And high on each of their agendas is striking some sort of new tax deal with Government to prevent the people of St. George's paying twice for the same services.

Four people, Kenneth Bascome, Mariea Christine Caisey, Louis Ricardo DeSilva and Kingsley Francis, will fight it out for the three Alderman seats. The election will be held on October 11, when it is hoped all 343 registered voters will take the opportunity to cast their ballot.

There will be no election for the five positions of Common Councillor as only five nominations were received. They will automatically take up their seats.

However, only one of the five councillors has experience of sitting on the Corporation before.

The councillors for the coming year will be Edward Benevides, William Davis, Beau Evans, Alison Outerbridge and corporation old timer David Raine.

The nominations at St. George's Town Hall yesterday created much interest from tourists stepping off the two cruise liners docked in the harbour.

Despite the Town Hall being closed to visitors throughout the nomination period, a steady queue of people streamed through the doors anyway, eager to find out what was going on.

And none of the nominees failed to take advantage of the opportunity to increase public relations as they gathered in the Market Square awaiting the final list of candidates.

Hoping for the hot seat, Mr. Jones said he was feeling "very positive'' that he would win over the voters.

He said: "I have given up my job as Town Crier as of today, no matter what happens, and I do not have business duties that take up most of my time, so I plan to spend most of my days walking around talking to people in the town.

"I want more community involvement and I don't want the people to feel that they can only get hold of me on occasions.

The battle is on! "In fact, I would like to see between 25 and 30 residents and businessmen form a committee where they can discuss issues relevant to them and then work with the corporation. This is, after all, their town.

"But no matter what happens with the election next week, I will not be returning to my job as Town Crier. When you have made a decision to move on, it's important that you do just that, and never go back.'' Former Mayor Mr. Hayward, who served in the role between 1989 and 1997, when he decided to stand down because of business and family commitments, said he believed his total 32 years experience on the corporation made him the best candidate for the job.

He added: "My concern is for the future of the town at this period in time, when it's on the brink of possibly becoming a World Heritage Site. I truly believe that my past experience as Mayor of St. George's will prove beneficial as we move into the future.

"As Mayor, my priorities will be to continue the development of the St.

George's Heritage Plan, update our aging sewer and water systems, upgrade our streets and lights, and to work with Government to ensure that the town receives the support that it so richly deserves.'' Mayoral hopeful Mr. Smith has unveiled a 12-part economic revitalisation plan for the town, which he hopes would increase revenue.

Handing in his nomination yesterday, he said: "I am feeling cautiously optimistic.

"I am hoping that all 343 eligible voters vote. I think we should be using the historical attributes and knowledge that we have in St. George's to build a better environment for the future.

"I promise people a more vibrant town that responds to the needs of the people and protects them.'' Fresh on the scene is newly appointed Common Councillor Edward Benevides.

When he first arrived at the Town Hall yesterday he was not sure which post to go for, Common Councillor or Alderman.

However, after discussion with his sponsors, he opted for the lower rank. He said: "I have decided to go for Common Councillor -- start at the bottom and work up. I have always been involved in St. George's from my very early days and this seems like a natural progression.

"I will certainly do my best for the people of the town.'' The election of Aldermen and mayor will take place next Wednesday, when voters have between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. to register their choices.