A folk hero of Bermuda?s near past has been honoured with the new Hamilton bus terminal named after him during a public event to celebrate the completion of the $2.8 million showpiece.

Famed for his bus tours of the Island, driver Hubert W. ?Sparky? Lightbourne was 76 when he died in early 2000.

His name and picture now adorn the front of the control room hub at the centre of the new bus terminal in Washington Street South next to City Hall.

Although awarded an MBE from the Queen for services to tourism during his lifetime, Mr. Lightbourne, who was described as a ?man of the people?, may well have been taken aback by the grandeur of the event to mark the opening of the terminal bearing his name.

Guests included Premier Alex Scott, a number of Government ministers, along with friends and family, Transport staff and passers-by curious to find out why the MU-EN Chorale group and female soloist Toni Robinson were performing songs beneath the canopy of the all-new bus station.

The completion of the terminal building was more than half-a-year later than scheduled and $400,000 over budget. A retaining wall that partially collapsed in September had to be rebuilt and strengthened.

But these facts did not detract from the opening ceremony, as Mr. Lightbourne?s contribution to Island life was remembered by those who knew him, including his daughter-in-law Carmen Lightbourne, Hamilton Mayor Lawson Mapp, and Bishop Vernon Lambe.

Tourism and Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said Bermuda too often shied away from recognising its heroes.

?I am glad that Betty Lightbourne and her family consented to the Ministry?s desire to salute the life?s work of their husband, father, brother and friend,? said Dr. Brown.

?Sparky was a man of the people, a genuine working man. With 35 years in Public Transport Board, coupled with the local and international acclaim for his legendary tours of Bermuda, ?Sparky? Lightbourne is the most suitable of his peers, living or deceased, to be honoured in this way. His career mirrors the synergy of tourism and transport and the preservation of his legacy will inspire a return to those ideals that heralded the golden age of tourism in Bermuda.?

Minister of Works and Engineering Sen. David Burch said: ?We are very pleased with the final product which has been constructed by Landmark Construction.

?It is a modern facility, which is equipped with bright lighting, flat screen video monitors displaying information and an open plan environment that promotes easy accessibility for commuters.?

Mr. Lightbourne?s wife Betty was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Bishop Lambe?s wife Ruth Ann Lambe.

The temporary bus terminal at the opposite side of the Town Hall ceases service as from this morning with the new terminal now in operation.