The annual Peppercorn Ceremony brought pomp and circumstance back to King’s Square yesterday with officials and dignitaries joined by a crowd of spectators.

During the event, the Masonic Brothers from the St George’s Lodge pay the annual rent of one whole peppercorn to the Governor to use the Old State House for their meetings.

The St George’s brothers were joined by Freemasons from lodges in Canada and the Bahamas.

Quinell Francis, the Mayor of St George, noted the rich history of the town and its people and highlighted recent events such as the St George’s Seafood Festival and last year’s Cup Match.

She told attendees that this year the corporation would partner with the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce to increase the visitor experience in the town by introducing “lively cruise ship activations and entertainment”.

“This initiative will not only attract more visitors to our shores, but will also create lasting memories and experiences that will have them become repeat visitors to Bermuda and the Town of St George,” she said.

Ms Francis thanked the Government for the recent waste water project, and highlighted infrastructure projects such as improvements to the town’s docks.

She said that other capital projects are in the pipeline for St George including the “rejuvenation” of Somers Gardens and renovations to Sunny Bank residential units.

Ms Francis said the projects would not only breath new life into the areas, but create new opportunities for the Corporation to generate revenue through rentals.

She also celebrated increased summer ferry service this year, with ferries running between Dockyard and the town five days a week.

“This achievement makes it easier for visitors to experience the charm and beauty of our historic town,” Ms Francis said.

Rena Lalgie, the Governor, congratulated the town on the developments over the past year and highlighted the history of St George including the Old State House which stands at the heart of the ceremony.

“Bermuda is fortunate to have such a rich and visible history which we can learn from and enjoy,” she said.

“With thanks in part to many people here today, I have observed a concerted effort to improve the extent to which that history is shared with those who travel from near and far.”

She said the 1816 agreement between the Government and the Freemasons had ensured an important historic site has been preserved for more than 200 years.

Ms Lalgie said that while the meeting of the Governor’s Counsel in the Old State House would be brief, real and important issues would be discussed as they have for centuries.

Lieutenant-Colonel Ben Beasley, Commanding Officer of the Royal Bermuda Regiment, described the official visit as a “wonderful parade” opportunity for the battalion.

He said troops involved were “fantastic”, and that all of them ensured they were well-prepared ahead of the event and hit their marks during the parade.

Corporal Dijon Arruda, from Warwick, was pleased to be part of the Guard of Honour.

The 35-year-old, who is also a storekeeper at the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club, said: “I love parades, what you put in is what you get out. You practise, and when the day comes you do your best and show off.”

He added that he enjoyed representing both the Royal Bermuda Regiment and the island.

“People were pulling out their cameras, some people dance to the drums and the music,” he said. “There is a morale and appreciation that comes from locals and tourists.

“It feels good to be told ‘thank you for your service’.”

In addition to the parade, speeches and the delivery of the peppercorn, the event featured music from the Royal Bermuda Regiment Band and historical narration by John Dale.

Peter Ross, who is visiting the island from Britain, said he was encouraged to come out to get a taste of local culture.

“I have always enjoyed history, and it’s impressive to see how people hundreds of years ago found a way to preserve it here in Bermuda,” he said.

“Even now, not everyone thinks that far in advance. History is lost every day.”

Sunny Blaire, from New York, said the ceremony was a unique spectacle.

“It’s cool to come out and see the Governor and all the other officials,” she said. “The weather is gorgeous, the town is interesting to explore and I love a lot of the outfits.”

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