St. George's gregarious mayor, E. Michael Jones, is over the seasonal rush. He and Papoose, his beloved and well known bird, relax a little as they reflect upon the past Christmas Season and the New Year. Mr. Jones looks forward to accomplishing several projects in year 2004 as you will read in the following question and answer interview with TheRoyalGazette's Beverley Causey-Smith.

How do you perceive the success of New Year's Eve on St. George's Square?

"By all reports it looks like New Years Eve in the Old Town was a success once again. The spectators were estimated to be more than 6.000. The weather was once again favourable. The Onion was lowered at midnight and we have been advised by the Parks department that onions more than 10 years old begin to lose some of their flavour, so, we may have to plant a new one this Spring. The fireworks were dazzling as always and there were lots of activities for the young children. There were more teenagers this year than usual and the entertainment was up to our usual standards."

Would you like to thank those who were responsible for the event? Who were they and what did they do?

"The Corporation would like to thank Spanish Town for co-ordinating the entertainment, staging and lighting. Suzette Harvey for "Grease" and Dek Froud for the Fireworks. We were also entertained this year by the upcoming young

talent and a special appearance by Elvis. No event happens without the assistance of Shannon Outerbridge , the Town supervisor of works and his able crew of men and women, who turn up after the crowd leaves and have the Square and streets cleaned by 5:30 a.m. New Years day. Thanks everyone!!!!!!

What is your wish list for St. George's 2004?

"We are still compiling a list of projects for 2004 and beyond, but it will certainly include rebuilding our docks, completing the waterfront promenade, replacing roofs, partnering with the new Hotel developers of the former Club Med, looking at the double taxation (issue), discussions on the implementation of Public meetings, the implications of bigger ships and our Town Cut and having the Town Hall opened to the public once again. These and many others will add to the list over the long and short term".

Specifically, what are your top goals for the town?

"I have often found January, both in Town and personally, to be a slow time . There are few visitors and the Christmas lights are once again removed and labelled, bagged and stored away. On behalf of the Corporation, I should like to congratulate our staff for once again winning the eastern Christmas light competition.

What is your projection on tourism in Bermuda and do you think the majority of tourists will be arriving by sea or air?

"St. George's relies heavily on cruise visitors and crew. When a ship must bypass our Port due to weather our Town suffers tremendously and most businesses would be unable to remain open if we had no ships. We anticipate a very busy cruise season this year. Hopefully our Sunday ship will have a successful summer and we hope as many of our shops and museums as possible will open to greet these guests."

"Our cruise season in 2003 was better than the previous year and I am hopeful that our air arrivals will be close to that of 2002."

Do you know of any special events scheduled in St. George's that will start the season off say around April?

"We are hoping to have a number of events during the year but plans are still in the early stages. An activities committee is planned and we are looking for community support and participation at committee level.

"Anyone with ideas or who would like to join the committee is invited to call Mr. Courtney Trott at 297-1532."

"A very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to one and all from all the members and staff of the St. George's Corporation."