The Bermuda Regiment spokesman is Maj. David Gibbons. He was described as a colonel in yesterday's paper.

The Bermuda Regiment announced it will not be backing down on last summer's decision to shun Hamilton as the venue for its once a month Beat the Retreat ceremony.

Instead the ceremony will be performed in St. George's and Somerset -- but not Hamilton, according to Regiment spokesman Colonel David Gibbons.

"Toward the end of last year it was decided the two -- Harbour Nights and the Beat the Retreat Ceremony -- were not compatible,'' he said.

In July last year Regiment head, Lt. Col. David Burch abruptly pulled the ceremony from the Harbour Nights programme, upsetting Chamber of Commerce organisers and some 3,000 spectators.

He claimed Front Street was not properly cleared of stalls and people by the time the Regiment was slated to begin thereby hampering the parade.

But for its part the Chamber claimed it had "bent over backwards'' to accommodate Regiment demands -- even purchasing a loud speaker system to remind stall holders to pack up half an hour before the event.

Harbour Nights, which returns this month bringing with it craft stalls, late night shopping and street attractions, will miss the pomp and ceremony of the popular Regiment parade -- a prime draw for visitors.

Regiment will not perform in Hamilton Chamber of Commerce chairman Mr. Robert (Bobby) Rego said any definitive decision to remove the parade from Hamilton was "disappointing''.

He said the statement by Col. Gibbons was the first indication he had heard of a permanent end to the Hamilton ceremony.

He added he did not know the outcome of discussions to examine the possibility of closing Harbour Nights early on Beat the Retreat nights.

"It is an attraction for tourists and caps off the night. It is certainly very disappointing especially in terms of our visitors,'' Mr. Rego said. He added the decision would be equally disappointing for Regiment band members who had lost an opportunity to show off their musical skills and hard work before large and appreciative Hamilton audiences.