Andrew Bermingham, well respected for his exemplary work with the National Trust, is also a vital member of The St. George's Foundation who was instrumental in achieving World Heritage for St. George's last November 30.

Mr. Bermingham is quick to praise all those involved in the successful application for The Historic Town of St. George and Related Fortifications to become a World Heritage Site: Louis Mowbray - The St.

George's Foundation Peter Adwick - Bermuda Department of Planning Dr. Edward Harris - Ber muda Maritime Museum Lance Furbert II - Curator of Forts and Historic Sites Mayor Henry Hayward - Corporation of St. George's Amanda Outerbridge - Bermuda National Trust Steve Jackson - Bermuda Department of Planning Erica Smith - Bermuda Department of Planning Mariea Caisey - Corporation of St. George's Frank Lawrie - Historic Scotland (Consultant) The process was a tremendous achievement for Bermuda and the culmination of over two years of tireless work by the above individuals and organisations.

He praised the St. George's Foundation as the principal organisation behind the application and congratulated the group which produced the excellent application and management plan under the very strict deadlines.

Members of the initial nominating team alongside Mr. Bermingham included Amanda Outerbridge, Lance Furbert, Steve Jackson and Dr. Edward Harris.

The initial application was organised in the space of five weeks between May and June in 1999 and the immediate feedback was very positive from the British government.

Mr. Bermingham explained: "UNESCO's World Heritage Committee wanted reassurance that St. George's and the surrounding forts would be taken care of in the future and we found out in October of last year that we had to meet a specific deadline.

"They wanted a management plan which was extremely technical. Steve Jackson, Amanda Outerbridge, Erica Smith, and Peter Adwick produced it.

"The committee wanted to make sure the town would hold up to its status responsibilities.'' The World Heritage Committee, at session 24 held in Cairns, Australia, from November 27 to December 2 2000, inscribed the Historic Town of St. George and Related Fortifications, Bermuda, on the basis of criteria (iv).

"Cultural Criterion (iv): ... its related fortifications is an outstanding example of a continuously occupied, fortified, colonial town dating from the early 17th century and the oldest English town in the New World.'' Continue on page 27 Continued from page 26 Mr. Bermingham said: "The best decision made during the course of all this was not to cut corners. Everyone went the extra mile and we finished with a splendid product.

"The management plan was so impressive that it is going to be used as a model for future application for World Heritage Sites.'' "From now on the St. George's Foundation and supporting organisations will face the biggest challenge of all - raising funds to implement goals associated with World Heritage Status.

" We must develop a prominent world visitor centre and the Foundation is the catalyst for turning this vision into a reality through the Queen's Warehouse on Penno's Wharf.

"The mere fact that big business did not invest in St. George's over the past 30 years has allowed the town to maintain it's gracious, unique antiquity.

"Had a freight terminal or office blocks been built the outcome would have been different and a nomination to World Heritage Status may not have been offered,'' Mr. Bermingham said.

Founded in 1612, St. George's provides a magical experience with winding lanes, and well-groomed ancient buildings.

It is an unspoiled town with charm, which will capture the interest of visitors worldwide with its new status.

According to Mr. Bermingham The Bermuda National Trust has focused its attention on the conservation of St. George's and the majority of its historic buildings in the town.

The Bermuda Historical Monuments Trust, formed in 1937, was the farsighted organisation that was the forerunner of the National Trust.

In 1970 The Monuments Trust handed over 12 historic buildings to the newly formed National Trust.

The St. George's Foundation relies upon organisations like the National Trust and shares working partnerships with local agencies, businesses, and residents to regenerate the local economy.

"Now that St. George's is a World Heritage Site the cooperation of everyone, including residents is necessary.

"The ordinary citizen can take a leaf out of `Keep Bermuda Beautiful' and keep homes and gardens neat and tidy. We all have a part to play in the preservation of St. George's,'' Mr. Bermingham concluded.

Architect of the Application: Andrew Bermingham