Premier Updated On St. George’s Progress
Recently, the Premier and Minister of National Security, Michael Dunkley visited several areas in St. George’s to get an update on the Old Town now that the summer season is underway, and the Premier used last Thursday’s [July 3] visit to express his support and appreciation to the area retailers and businesses who are doing their part to ensure that St. George’s is seen as a viable visitor attraction.
The Premier at the World Heritage Centre with the Bermuda National Trust Summer Camp students
The businesses visited by the Premier last week included Sweet Saak Bakery, which recently won a Best of Bermuda Award, Belcario Thomas’ Tobacco Bay visitor venue, the St. George’s World Heritage Centre and others.
Premier Dunkley also took the opportunity to visit the Sylvia Richardson Seniors Home and meet with the care takers at the facility as well as chat with the Mayor of St. George’s, Garth Rothwell, to get an update on the progress of the proposed yacht marina for the East End.
Of the overall visit, Premier Dunkley said, “There is a tremendous amount of pride and resilience among the retailers and business owners in St. George’s, and I thought it was important to visit them to not only thank them for their dedication and commitment, but to let them know that this Government remains committed to St. George’s.”
Mayor Garth Rothwell providing Premier Dunkley an update on the proposed yacht marina at Ordnance Island
“There are some innovative things taking place also, like the beach concession at Tobacco Bay. I was pleased to see what Belcario Thomas was doing with the venue. He has a unique vision and he shared with me some additional thoughts he had for the venue, which would certainly enhance the visitor experience.
“I also had a chance to receive an update from Mayor Rothwell regarding the proposed plans for the yacht marina. Things seem to be progressing and it’s hoped that the marina will be up and running next year. We anticipate that this will go a long way towards reviving St. George’s and ensuring that it is a vibrant part of our overall tourism product.”
Premier Dunkley with Belcario Thomas’ and his team at the Tobacco Bay visitor venue.
The Premier’s visit was a follow up from a visit by Minister of Home Affairs Michael Fahy earlier this year. The public will recall that the Corporation of St. George’s received a $750,000 Government grant to assist in making upgrades within the Old Town in advance of the visitor season.
Joining the Premier last week was the Acting Minister of Home Affairs, R. Wayne Scott, the Minister of Health, Seniors and the Environment, Jeanne Atherden, area MPs Nandi Outerbridge and Kenneth Bascome and Mayor Rothwell.
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Only time you see Nandi Davis down here is for a photo opp!
All very nice but if St. Georges is on the road to some type of tourism renaissance; will someone tell me why what I thought was the jewel of the crown as far as a tourist attraction was concern would be closed on a Saturday? I am talking here about Fort St Catherine. I have an American granddaughter who comes to Bermuda every summer. I get to keep her for a day. Last year we went up to the West End; this year was going to be the East end’s turn and Fort St. Catherine was going to be the centre piece of the visit. Needless to say not only was I disappointed to find a rusty locked gate to the fort; but also perplex with the question; why would this tourist attraction would be closed on a Saturday and I wonder if it is also close on a Sunday? Ok Bermudians don’t flock to the fort; but during my disappointed and failed tour of the fort; at least two taxis with tourists probably had the same idea; only to have to turn around and go back down the hill. Yes the beach was open; but Bermuda must learn that it has to had more attractions for the tourists other than Bermuda’s beaches. If you can’t have staff to man the fort during the weekend; what is wrong with giving some of Bermuda’s students a side job during the summer? A tourism renaissance for St. Georges? on this occasion I will have to give them an ‘F’.
Learn how to speak English before you even ask questions like that! Secondly, your beloved PLP did nothing for Fort St. Catherine or St. George’s anyways, so why do you care now?!
But Alvin, why do you keep asking the same question but under different topics?
The PLP did absolutely zero for St George’s. They even took the cruise ships away and put them at the other end of Bermuda which effectively was almost the last nail in the coffin of the old town. How on Earth is Govt going to pay for these things if the previous Govt spent all the money?
If it wasn’t for the hard work of the folks in St George’s at the moment, that town would be long gone. So kudos to them first and then kudos to the OBA for pumping 750k into the town and for also creating the heritage tax which goes to fill up the town’s bank account.
I tend to agree with you….nope ….I definitively agree, I will also say this….there is a place called the holy land in Orlando florida,it is in effect a copy of Jerusalem,at the entranc there are motion detectors ,when you walk in you are greeted with the sounds of the real jJerusalem…with the animals and language and flavour of the old world….So look at regimental training facilities in England,leave the rough and humerous talk in as a Backdrop….then when you know you have a group provide steel drums…
What about PRC’s
Click on the Dock yard page; they have passed St. Georges and they will increase their lead. I told you I saw two taxis with tourists come up to the fort and turn around and go back. There were even tourists walking and riding bikes in the area. Now you can call me names or attempt to belittle my opinion if you like; but the truth is the truth and no amount of photo-opts is going to change the reality that if St. Georges want to attract and hold the interests of potential tourists than it is going to have to put something more on the table. It is part of my country I have no interests in seeing it failed even for political gain.
Where is the BIG PICTURE OBA ?
FIX the BIG PICTURE and all boats will rise. Almost TWO YEARS in power.
Still ZERO on Resort Gaming, “New” Hotel construction.
Better get something done before you all take off for the summer !
The world is moving at a faster pace. Dictated by the innovations of folks like Google, Khan Academy, Apple, Microsoft etc…
MEANWHILE back on the rock, we (The Bermuda Government) are moving like snails, locked in political gridlock and mischief all based on a sick and old political system that is way past its sell by date.
Hopefully, the OBA government will take decisive action soon to address the major issues.
As a tourist, I feel that St. George’s is indeed the Jewel of the Crown. I understand Mr. Williams’ disappointment at Fort St. Catherine. My family had a similar experience last summer. Fort closed. Although the beach was open, there was not a concession or the option to rent beach chairs, etc. We had a wonderful time at Tobacco Bay, but it was crowed because it is a smaller beach. Tobacco Bay had everything a tourist needed. Thank you Tobacco Bay. As for the shops downtown. Set your hours, post them and stick with them. Remember there are other tourists in St. George’s who do not come from the cruise ships. They are actually staying in St. George’s. Why, because it is easy to walk to where you are going and the town has what you need. You feel safe and comfortable. Several times we went downtown to the shops to find them closed even though it was during the posted hours. You don’t need a fancy hotel w/gaming. You need something the ordinary tourist can afford and more family friendly with nice golf course. It is not a PLP or OBA problem…just look around and polish the jewel that you are. I will always stay in St. George’s and return as often as possible.