years, chances are you may recognise the radiant face of Margaret Pearman.

Ms Pearman's primary duties include the front desk where she admits people into the facility. Additionally, she helps answer phones and assists the Bermuda Zoological Society.

Approximately 130,000 visitors a year come to the facility. Ms Pearman is certainly a face behind tourism. "I try to greet everyone with a smile and try to make everyone welcome here. I believe in the power of positive energy,'' she said.

Ms Pearman said there was a family environment at the Aquarium. "It's like a small family of workers here. Everybody's close. We have little problems from time to time but we solve them together like a family would.'' Principal Curator, Mr. Richard Winchell, said the following about Ms Pearman: "The first impression is a lasting one. Ms Pearman has greeted our visitors with a smile for 20 years.

"We want our visitors to have a high quality, entertaining learning experience.

"We can be the friendliest Aquarium, Museum and Zoo in the world with staff like Ms Pearman. She is often the only staff member our visitors meet which makes her the most important ambassador for our visitors.'' The two questions most asked of Ms Pearman are: 1. "Are there any snakes in the aquarium and does Bermuda have snakes?'' 2."Where are the best places to eat in Flatts Village?'' Ms. Pearman refers them first to the Peacock Pantry at the Aquarium and to the Palmetto Bay and Halfway House.

Ms Pearman loves her job, particularly when it is busy. "I have done my job a long time and know it well. I'm used to doing it and my experience helps me to serve visitors quickly. Sometimes it is challenging to keep the line moving.'' People often go back to the entrance window and thank Ms. Pearman for her recommendations which make her feel appreciated.

When Ms Pearman was asked about her suggestions to enhance tourism she mentioned that it would be nice if senior citizen tourists could be offered the same discount rates as Bermuda's senior citzens. "They are always posing this question,'' she said.

In four years Ms Pearman plans to retire to travel and spend quality time with her children. She is the mother of three and says: "I love my three adult children Lionel, Carlos and Crystal and my two grand daughters, Criana and Crys-Andra.''