Black economic empowerment and young under-employed black men weren't exactly on the agenda but they almost ended up as the main course -- as did public safety at a meeting to discuss World Heritage status for St. George's.

It was advertised as an "important public meeting'' and about 65 St. George's residents showed their agreement by turning up at Penno's Wharf last Thursday for the first forum since the Olde Towne received the accolade.

Forts curator Lance Furbert referred to them as the "converted'' and there weren't many objections to the plan to manage the town as a World Heritage Site.

But judging from the input after the presentations by officials charged with making sure the town capitalises on its status, the public had more immediate issues on their minds.

Judging from the applause in response to one businesswoman's comments, they were experiencing anxiety over plans to relocate the eastern Police headquarters to Southside.

"We have a problem in the town. We all know we have a problem,'' the woman said. "We need the Police close.'' Mayor Henry Hayward said the town would retain a sub-station and the police presence would not be diminished, according to the Police Commissioner.

"But even now, we only see the Police there on pay-day using the Easy Link,'' said another woman.

One woman was very concerned about an "incomplete step'' outside Crockwell's restaurant on York Street. She had seen people slip and fall on what was "not a step but a piece of concrete''.

And issues were discussed like parking, sidewalks, speed bumps, signage "things which should have been done a long time ago'', according to Steve Hollis, owner of Ocean Sails.

Mr. Hollis, who had previously revealed concern that a lot of energy was being spent on "touristic'' projects at the expense of the needs of local residents, was also worried about what he saw as a dearth of docking facilities for large yachts.

"I don't think people realise how much they spend here. That's a side of tourism that costs nothing and brings in money. Yet we do nothing for them.'' "Wait, just wait,'' said Mr. Hayward. "Once the waterfront is developed, it will enhance the ambience and the business opportunities there.'' Hundreds of hours of planning, research and consultation had gone into preparing the management plan for the World Heritage Site, some aspects of which were presented.

The management plan, instrumental in gaining the UNESCO designation, was developed by the Corporation of St. George's, the Bermuda National Trust, the St.George's Foundation, the planning department, the Maritime Museum and the Parks Department.

A "World Heritage Centre'' will be built at Queen's Warehouse, Penno's Wharf as an orientation and education facility.

And besides restoring historic buildings and forts, new attractions will be developed to enhance the town's unique historical character.

Mr. Furbert, who outlined plans and hopes for refurbishing the forts, was encouraged by the 90 minute session.

He said there could have been more people, adding that there was a "groundswell'' of interest in the town's future as a World Heritage Site.

Mr. Furbert reassured the audience that the current government was more supportive than previous ones had been. Funds were flowing more readily to get the forts back in shape. "We have been the stepchildren for a long time,'' he said. "I think that's changing.'' He was hopeful, too, that those residents too often written off by their neighbours as wall-sitters and hooligans were willing to be drafted into the forts' restoration project.

"I have talked to the young men in the area. I was pleasantly surprised as to how quickly they came around.'' He said those who used to deface the forts with graffiti may soon be organised into their own businesses to help with the rehabilitation of the forts. "They do recognise it is part of their history.'' Alderman Kenneth Bascome said his message was for young black people. "Seize the day,'' he said. "I see many opportunities arising for young black entrepreneurs.'' "I wanted to encourage some of our young black males in this community to get involved.'' "Black people aren't interested because they believe it doesn't represent their history,'' said Mr. Bascome. "But I know for a fact that during the heyday there were many black people doing business in this town as far as blacksmiths, silversmiths... I believe with my election (in October last year) people should now look at the Corporation in a different light in that it's no longer the big boys club.'' "This is my desire -- that all of St.George's will have a part in what we're trying to create. We have a jewel and with everyone's support we can be a shining example to the rest of the world.'' Mr. Furbert added: "We need to get the unconverted. I am particularly concerned with some of the young men -- there is a negative view of them. But I have talked to these guys. They're bright, intelligent and have an awful lot of energy that could be harnessed and put to good.''