The robust E. Michael Jones epitomises the perfect town crier with his strong bellowing voice, his inviting smile and his handsome 17th century costumes.

He captivates thousands of tourists each week on St. George's Square with his entertaining theatrics.

He makes spectators feel they are back in time and judging by their smiling faces and laughter it is evident that they love his antics and old fashioned rituals of justice.

His bawdy wench is dunked into the harbour on a seesaw rig, about four or five times for gossiping and nagging her husband.

Others may be tied up all day, or even five days, at the public whipping post and given only water and bread for "Stealing a chicken from Goody Brown'' or other simple offences.

He said: "I don't think it is a good idea to dunk the wench but I carry out the wishes of the good mayor.'' Mr. Jones, a senior councillor for the Corporation of St. George's for nine years, is a member of the Ancient and Honourable guild of Town Criers.

He is a champion Commonwealth Crier and has received international recognition and awards for his craft as a crier, including best dressed.

He says that the training he has to be town crier is based on his past experiences with tourism and that there is no such thing as `a school of town criers'.

"I have been in tourism all of my life. I worked with tourism in Toronto and Boston.

" I love photography and Bermuda's beauty. I drive a taxi and I work with St.

George's Historical Society. I was in the army and I am a Dale Carnegie advocate,'' he explained.

He is a busy fellow who is popular for his historic lantern tours in St.

George's every week, Monday through Thursdays, when the cruise ship passengers are in town.

The Square Ceremony, with the dunkings, occurs every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at noon.

When the crier was asked the top five questions which most tourists ask him, he said: 1. "Are you the town crier? 2. "Are you the man on the rocks at Gates Fort who greets the cruise ship? 3. "Which way is it to To bacco Bay? 4. "May we have a photo with you? 5. "Which way do we go to the bus?'' The town crier expressed several recommendations for tourism.

At the top of his list is something we can all do, showing tourists special courtesy.

"We should exercise the spirit of kindness and be thoughtful to visitors' needs.

"If you see a tourist who looks lost and is looking at a map ask if you could help. If you can anticipate needs and assist in filling a need, this makes the tourists feel good.

"It doesn't cost but a couple of minutes and it means a great deal to the tourists.'' His second interesting point was geared towards people who work in the tourism industry.

"Tourism is in my blood and I love my work. If people get enjoyment from their jobs it will rub off. If you are in a position that you enjoy you will be a happier person .'' Mr. Jones was the founding chairman of the Visitor Industry Partnership (VIP) who presents sunshine awards to those working in tourism. He feels the VIP concept is important and is a foundation on which all the other pillars rest.

"It is a great feeling for me to see other Bermudians being recognised for what they do for tourism and I am proud and delighted to be in tourism,'' he concluded.

St. George's town crier: E. Michael Jones flanked by tourists on the Town Square.

TOURISM TOU