attacked by Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. Jim Woolridge.

Mr. Woolridge said he was shocked to hear Mayor of St. George's the Wor. Henry Hayward expressing doubts about a dedicated St. George's ship.

And his claim St. George's could receive a ship by next summer was backed by the agent for the world's biggest cruise line.

Mr. Hayward raised doubts yesterday, stating that the Government had not acted fast enough. The shipping agent said he found it difficult to believe a cruise line would be able to introduce a ship by the time the season started next year.

And the Mayor said that St. George's would suffer from the loss of a potential 800 visitors a week.

Mr. Woolridge said he was surprised at his statement: "Henry Hayward says he has five cruise lines interested in St. George's but he has never brought them to me.

"I would have expected him to come here so we could speak to these lines, but instead he makes this statement without consulting me. He does not understand that any company who has good marketing in place could have a ship ready for next year. What he is saying would probably only apply to a company that is starting from scratch.'' The Minister has been in consultation with two cruise lines but, at present, no decision has been made about the St. George's ship.

Carnival Cruises agent Mr. Donald MacPherson said the company has a ship ready and waiting.

" The Tropical has been made available for a St. George's only cruise.

Carnival are just waiting for the Minister to decide,'' he said.

"It would be possible for them to have the boat here by 1994. They are the biggest line in the world with a budget bigger than the entire budget of Bermuda.

"Carnival have been dealing directly with the Government and there is another firm involved. They appreciate the Mr. Woolridge has to make the right decision.'' The other firm is Costa Cruises.