General Meeting
The next meeting day is Thursday, 28 May, at 6 PM in the Towne Hall, we will provide updates on ongoing projects, as well as introduce new programs and initiatives that may be undertaken. The standard agenda is as follows:
1. Welcome
2. Observances/Celebrations
3. Town Manager / Secretary Report
4. Committee Reports and Recommendations
5. Government Board Member's Reports
6. Other Board Member Reports
7. Public Q&A Period
From the Town Manager’s Desk
Dear Town Members,
We are happy to keep you informed about the work our team has undertaken to support and enhance the town. To stay updated, you are invited to attend the monthly General Council Meetings held on the fourth Thursday of every month. Our report is presented to the Council during these meetings, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback during the public session.
Updates
The Corporation of St. George’s Mayor and Councillors remain unchanged
The reigning Mayor and Councillors were uncontested on Nomination Day, April 23, 2026. The current council will remain in place for a 2 year period.
Hurricane Awareness
The hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. We ask residents to trim any overgrown vegetation, particularly where vines have grown up poles or into power lines. Also, since many of us are dependent on digital services, order your battery power packs now so you only need to top them up later.
Blockade Alley
Due to equipment failure, the resurfacing works are unsatisfactory. The road will be resurfaced in the near future as scheduling allows.
Special Message From The Town Manager
Thank you to the staff of the Corporation of St. George’s for the tremendous job they did to ensure a successful Peppercorn Ceremony, King’s Visit, and End-to-End. The staff work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure smooth, efficient events.
Sign Rules
Stop! Permission must be sought from the Corporation of St. George’s prior to the erection of any sign in the Town of St. George. Please contact the Corporation of St. George’s (CSG) offices if you wish to install any signage within the Town.
Town Map: https://corpstgeorge.bm/images/townplan/images/Screen_Shot_2022-05-26_at_95403_AM.jpg
Parking
You are invited to park in the Town of St. George. Please follow the posted street notices:
- One-hour parking is available in marked locations.
- All-day parking is available at designated parking lots.
The King’s Visit
His Majesty King Charles III visited the Town of St. George on the morning of May 1, 2026 — a milestone that will be remembered in the four-hundred-year history of this storied town. The day began under overcast skies, but the sun emerged and shone brightly on the upturned faces of schoolchildren, adults, seniors, and tourists lining the fences in anticipation.
Leading the arrival was the internationally renowned Royal Bermuda Regiment Band, marching through the streets to the applause of onlookers as Bermudian soldiers stepped out with pride. Their shoes held a mirror shine, buckles caught the light, and the Drum Major raised the mace high as the band was led onto King's Square.
The King arrived to great adulation — the crowd erupting in applause, miniature Union Jacks waving in the air. The entire team at the Corporation of St. George had been on an all-hands assignment to present their very best for the occasion, and they delivered. What the public did not know was that two major events were being staged simultaneously: the King's Visit on May 1 and the start of the national End-to-End charity walk on May 2, when thousands descend on the town at 6 am for the 21-mile journey from one end of Bermuda to the other. Together, these drew on the full resources of the municipality — docks, staging, access management, commercial power, and the many behind-the-scenes processes that only a dedicated and experienced team can coordinate.
The 21-Gun Salute on Ordnance Island drew cries of alarm from children who had never heard a cannon fire. The Town Crier's voice rang out across the Square, announcing the arrival of His Majesty King Charles III, followed by a wave of cheers as the King stepped from his limousine. He was greeted by His Excellency Governor Andrew Murdock, then accompanied by Regiment Commander Duncan Simons for the inspection of the guard. Following the inspection, the King was introduced to Cabinet members, led by the Honourable Premier David Burt, MP, JP, before receiving a warm civic welcome from the Town Mayor, Her Worship Quinell Francis, JP. The Mayor guided His Majesty across the red carpet and into the Towne Hall as the Regiment played on.
Upon exiting the Towne Hall, the Mayor extended an invitation for the King to meet the public. He accepted graciously — pausing to shake hands, receive small tokens of appreciation, and exchange brief words with well-wishers. The King then continued from the Square to visit the historic St. Peter's Church, before carrying on with a full schedule that would take him across the island. International media were on the ground throughout, capturing events in real time and posting to social media as they unfolded — footage that was picked up by Sky News and broadcasters worldwide, placing the Town of St. George, Bermuda's UNESCO World Heritage Site, at the heart of a major royal event seen across the globe.
Watch the visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CDi1Q3BjqA
Let’s Play in the Town!
Living in St. George’s is by far the best experience for any child growing up. It has schools, clubs, churches, entertainment, museums, marine activities, and exploration all contained in one neighborhood. The only thing missing—which is totally strange for a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is 400 years old—is a library. The town does not have a library, a place to keep town records connected to the town’s story.
As an up-to-date town, you will see children riding bikes, hear laughter, and enjoy community parties. But you will see heads down, too.
The Bermuda Government likes the Town of St. George. It gives the town money to stay open, keep the Christmas lights on, and have the Cup Match concert. The government team at the National Archives keeps records on St. George’s history, one of which is East Ender magazine. Yes, the East had its own magazine back in the day! Today, we have a town newspaper, The St George's Crown, printed once a year for the tourist season, which the Town Council sponsors.
However, to do history homework in a special place of history books, maps, and pictures, children must do what all children do: travel to the National Library. Road trip! It’s a blast! If you take the fast ferry, you really get into the adventure and might even meet a real-life Captain; the best part is that school children travel for free.
The Town of St George has real history and a unique community; people travel hundreds of miles to see St. George’s people, homes, and life. They even vacation in the town and want to know more. There are great cultural tours with Ms. White and a loud Town Crier named Gussie, who was even copied by a child during the Annual World Poetry Day on the town square. Plus, the totally awesome museums have really old stuff that makes it a real-life adventure to tell stories. It makes you wonder: who is the scoundrel that should walk the plank because they forgot the books?
East End Magazine: https://bnl.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16347coll7
St. George's Crown Newspaper: https://www.stgeorgescrownnewspaper.com/newspapers
Jimmy Darrell Ceremony
The St. George’s community recently gathered at St. Peter’s Church to commemorate the 221st anniversary of the death of James “Jemmy” Darrell, a seminal figure in Bermuda’s maritime history. A renowned King’s Pilot who gained his freedom through his extraordinary navigational skills, Mr. Darrell was a trailblazer who famously maneuvered the HMS Resolution into the deep anchorage that still bears the admiral's name. Beyond his professional achievements, he was a pivotal social advocate who challenged discriminatory laws and became the first Black Bermudian to purchase his own home in St. George.
The commemorative service, hosted by The Friends of St. Peter’s Church, was a moving tribute attended by members of the Darrell family, local clergy, and community leaders. Mayor of St. George’s, Quinell Francis, joined MPs Lovitta Foggo and Renée Ming to pay respects to a man whose resilience and expertise continue to inspire our town. The event concluded with a formal wreath-laying ceremony at Mr. Darrell’s headstone, honoring his enduring legacy as a pioneer who fought for equality and excellence in the face of significant adversity.
Read the story: Royal Gazette: https://www.royalgazette.com/general/news/article/20260412/sea-cadets-pay-tribute-to-black-kings-pilot-james-darrell/
Peppercorn Ceremony Recap
In the Town of St. George it was a cool, grey, overcast day, with the sun teasing that it might come out to raise the temperature. With no parking available and guards on every corner, you could see the negotiations taking place just to find a spot. This was the enclave where Bermuda's dignitaries, government, and Masonic Brotherhood convene to mark another chapter in the island's story — the Annual Peppercorn Ceremony — the one occasion where Bermuda pauses to acknowledge the growth and success that transformed from a humble town into an institutional capital of finance, and to honour the caretakers who have safeguarded that history ever since, one peppercorn at a time.
The sun finally broke through just as the heads of state were due to arrive—some by fancy car, but the Governor by horse-drawn carriage, where he was greeted by the Mayor under a warm sun, his bicorne hat with feathers blowing in the wind.
Tourists were amazed by the order, the ceremony, and the stunning appearance of Her Worshipful Mayor Quinell Francis, JP, in a purple and gold brocade skirt suit, with sunlight glinting off its shimmering textures during this peaceful civil display.
The message of the day was one of community, trade, prosperity, and civic responsibility—a reminder to care for the town, whoever is in charge. The Town of St. George is the heart of Bermuda. The Governor punctuated the day with the surprise news that His Majesty The King is coming and that the 400-plus-year-old town will be his first stop—traveling some 4,500 miles to greet the residents on his first visit as King.
One peppercorn was paid—a tradition that remains unbroken and has been taking place annually for 210 years, since 1816.
Watch the event:
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ve4oA-25HDU
Browse the galleries:
- Bernews: https://bernews.com/2026/04/photos-2026-peppercorn-ceremony-in-st-georges/
- Royal Gazette: https://www.royalgazette.com/event/news/article/20260422/peppercorn-ceremony-2026/
Scoop The Poop
Dogs seek owners help in poop clean up.
Dogs are adorable, but their poop is not. In our Town, maintaining a pristine appearance is crucial, and people remember cleanliness. Regrettably, we must address instances of carelessness.
While we love strolling with our canine companions, we do not enjoy having our staff clean up after them or guests being subjected to the smoosh of the odour-carrying clumps that leave a dreadful impression. We kindly request all dog owners to keep their pets on their leash and to be responsible and pick up after their pets when walking along Water Street, Ordnance Island, and King’s Square.
We had to implement a ban on dogs in our gardens, and we hope to avoid extending that ban to other public walking areas in the town.
Bulletin
His Majesty The King III Visit
Friday, May 1, 2026 | Town of St. George | Bermuda
Convex End-to-End
Saturday, May 2nd | 7am | Kings Square, St George’s
Mother's Day
Sunday, May 10th
Bermuda Day 2026 Theme: For The Culture
Friday, May 22nd | Hamilton
Bermuda National Heroes Day
Monday, June 15th | Nationwide
Cup Match Extravaganza
Friday, July 17th | Town of St. George | Bermuda
Cup Match Holiday
Thursday, July 30th (Emancipation Day)
Friday, July 31st (Mary Prince Day)
Bermuda Day
Minister of Tourism Owen Darrell announced that the theme for Bermuda’s 2026 Heritage Month and Bermuda Day Parade will be “For the Culture,” a tribute to the island's bold, creative, and community-driven spirit. The theme highlights the importance of tradition-bearers who preserve Bermuda’s unique heritage through art, music, and performance, emphasizing that these cultural expressions are a vital reflection of national identity rather than mere entertainment.
Event: Bermuda Day Parade
Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: City of Hamilton
Price: FREE
Website: https://culture.bm/events/bermuda-day/bermuda-day-parade-2026/
For Your Special Occasion …
Planning your next event? We've got you covered! Book one of our historic venues including Town Hall, Somers Gardens, Penno's Wharf Hall, Town Square, or Ordnance Island. Need street closures for something special? We handle that too. Plus, we provide tables, chairs, and audio-visual equipment to make your corporate function seamless.
For more information, contact our office at
Surprise!!
Oh, where are those bubbles coming from… ooh, look, they're coming from Surprise, located on York Street.
Now located on York Street, Surprise! Scrapbook Boutique has been a quiet cornerstone of St. George's creative life for more than thirteen years. Founded by Corinne Parris, the shop is equal parts retail destination and welcoming workshop — a place where locals pop in to pick up party supplies, personalised gifts, and crafting materials, and where hobbyists pull up a chair and lose themselves in making something beautiful.
"We started as a party supply and scrapbooking supply store in the town. Now we are a stop-in-and-be-surprised store."
And surprised you will be. Ms. Parris's journey into retail began quietly, at home, hand-printing personalised napkins and ribbons for special occasions. That modest little home business slowly grew into something bigger — a party supply shop on North Shore Road in Hamilton Parish that served the community for roughly twelve years. Then in 2012, a new chapter: she opened the Scrapbook Boutique in St. George's, above White Horse then moved to York Street, eventually bringing her full inventory with her and giving the old town its very own one-of-a-kind creative hub.
What does she love most about calling St. George's home? The history. It's a fitting answer for a woman whose business is built around helping people preserve and celebrate their own stories.
Recognised as a nominee for the W.O.M.B. Bermuda Female Entrepreneur Award in 2023, Ms. Parris and the Surprise! brand remain a cherished part of the island's small-business landscape — proof that a great idea, tended with heart, can blossom into something truly special.
Find Surprise! online at surprise.bm and on Instagram and Facebook.
Location: 39 York Street, Saint Georges
Web: surprise.bm
Socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/surprise.bm
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surprisesb
Out & About
