Dear Sir,

I am writing once again in the hope that our government will view my letter constructively and not as something negative.

It concerns our special town of St George and the many historic places of interest located within the Old Towne and surrounding areas.

These historic venues need always to be in pristine condition for the many tourists that visit St George on a yearly basis; sometimes even us for locals. Or maybe the subject of an essay or special school project.

The importance of keeping these places of interest in prime condition 24/7 is essential for St George, and also for Bermuda.

On August 8, my wife and I attended a wedding of a son of close friends, which was held at Fort St Catherine. What a place to have a wedding.

The weather was so beautiful, the waters around the fort calm and serene. The beach adjacent to the fort glowed with an invitation to come for a refreshing swim. I don’t think I have visited Fort St Catherine in decades, but I can remember it like it was yesterday.

The main bits of history that are on view inside the fort, which I am sure are still there maybe but with other historic artefacts gathered since my last visit. This makes Fort St Catherine a very special venue to see while touring St George.

The main reason for writing this letter was the poor conditions to the outside areas within the fort itself. Some of the many cannons on display are in such a rusty condition, showing an immediate need to be sanded, wire-brushed and painted, along with some cracked masonry that needs repair, along with some wooden items also needing a tidy-up. A total overhaul is needed, since the fort is of iconic proportions when it comes to Bermuda’s history.

Not sure of the conditions of the other forts that are near to Fort St Catherine. Do they need a tidy-up?

In any case, with a new hotel and casino being built for St George, and well overdue I might add, it is too hoped that the many guests will surely visit Fort St Catherine, as it will be right on their doorstep.

Also, the many other places of interest within St George. We need and must have everything looking spick-and-span for when the hotel and casino open their doors.

I have always had a warm heart for St George and St David’s over the many years, and in most recent times I have observed many new things that have come into fruition in and around the Olde Towne.

St George is finally taking on a new persona, looking and feeling for the betterment for both the town and for St David’s. To the many individuals concerning this transformation, you all need much recognition for a job well done. The reason? New faces and young ideas, which have made wonderful inroads moving the town in the right direction.

Having a cruise ship has made a big difference to the many tourist-related shops and all restaurants within the town. You certainly can see and feel these changes that have been introduced. A great job has been done by all.

I do believe a concerted effort should be given by all residents of both St George and St David’s to make the East End of our island the gem it has always been in the past.

Each East End resident should walk within the hallowed areas of time and history surrounding this very important town showing a Bermuda smile and their pride at being called a St Georgian.

If everyone did a little, then everyone would do a lot, giving both St George and St David’s something to brag about.

My hope is for both ends of our island to eventually complement each other. With so much history and grace shared by both, we would certainly have winners at both ends.

So don’t put this letter on the shelf only to collect dust. Let’s do it soon.

H. GORDY GIBBONS

Paget