Newsletter

General Meeting

The next meeting day is Thursday, 22 January, at 6 PM in the Towne Hall. Due to the Christmas holiday, there will be no December General Council meeting. During the next meeting, 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

A Holiday Message From the Mayor

As we gather to celebrate the Christmas season, I want to extend my warmest wishes to every resident and business of the Town of St. George. This time of year invites us to reflect on the moments that shaped us, the challenges we overcame, and the accomplishments we achieved together. It is also a time to appreciate the community spirit that makes St. George such a remarkable place to call home.

I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff. Your hard work, professionalism, and unwavering commitment throughout the year are deeply appreciated. From keeping our community safe and welcoming, to ensuring that essential services run smoothly, your efforts make a meaningful difference every single day. Thank you for all that you do.

To our community, as we look ahead to the new year, may we carry with us a renewed sense of hope, peace, and togetherness. Let us continue to support one another, celebrate our shared successes, and work hand in hand to build an even brighter future for our UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Town of St. George.

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a hopeful and prosperous 2026.

Warm regards,

Quinell Francis, JP
Mayor
Town of St. George

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. 

CSG Projects

- Somers Garden Wall  — After receiving the necessary planning approvals work has commenced. Works will be complete in time for the Christmas festivities in Somers Garden.



 - Mural — The mural at Penno’s Cruise Ship Terminal is nearing completion. An official unveiling is forthcoming.

 
Special Message From The Town Manager 

Sign Rules (Policy) 

If you wish to install any sign that faces the road, please apply in writing to the Corporation of St. George’s.  Our business office is located at  Storekeeper’s House, 5 Ordnance Island, Town of St. George GE05.  The application should include the following:

• The location
• The design
• Duration
• Permission from the building owner
• Size
• Name and contact of the company placing the sign (person, company, charity or otherwise)

Map of Municipal Area of the Town of St. George

The Corporation will give notice of approval.

BIG HOLIDAY FUN ALERT! Thanks to all those who have been patient while we were preparing the town for the holidays. With multiple events — large and small — running throughout the town, we ask that all visitors use extra caution on our narrow roads. Residents, please note that sound levels will increase during events and may run into the early morning as part of the entertainment. Parking for major events will be at Tiger Bay. The extra traffic may create temporary inconvenience for residents during events. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

St. George’s: We are family

From our hometown to distant lands, we are all family. 

“It is Christmas time in the Town of St. George. This is when we invite you back home for the Town Christmas parade where Santa arrives for all the good little girls and boys.  Shops open to help you find the perfect gift, and you can stop into the grocery store for all the fixings of a delicious Christmas Day dinner with family and friends.

Yes, we are busy. Yes, some of our families are in England, America, the Caribbean or live at the other end of the island. They are family.  As the family has grown and as times have changed, we have an occasion once a year to pause, connect, reminisce and share new stories.  

The Town invites everyone to visit and share in town life, even if it is only for an hour. We will welcome you with open arms and cheer.  And on New Year’s Eve, you can celebrate the start of the year ahead with us that will be memorable and joyous and make you feel like one of the St. George’s family.

Town Wedding: Mr & Mrs Tyson and Allison Flood

The historic Towne Hall of St. George was the perfect setting for Tyson and Allison Flood's intimate elopement ceremony on August 29th, 2025. With the Registry General officiating, the couple exchanged vows in a venue they describe as "truly picturesque."

"From the architecture and cedar trimmings to the vibrant orange color of the building—everything about it seemed to say, 'We're going to the chapel, and we're gonna get married,'" the newlyweds shared. "It was the perfect spot for an elopement."

The Floods expressed deep gratitude to the Corporation of St. George's for allowing them to celebrate their special day at the venue. Beyond the beauty of the historic building, the couple was touched by the warmth of the community itself.

"The town was alive with energy, and every person we passed poured so much love into us in the most magical way," they reflected. "They're memories we'll cherish for a lifetime."

The Town of St. George extends heartfelt congratulations to Tyson and Allison as they begin their married life together!

Department of Planning Presents in the Town

Penno’s Cruise Ship Terminal was the place for the Department of Planning presentation on the Development In The Town Of St. George: How To Get Ahead.  At the town hall, the audience learned the Planning Department’s decisions are guided by the Development and Planning Act 1974 and the Bermuda Plan 2018.

Many believe the Town of St. George is managed like the City of Hamilton. It is not—the Town is majority homes. All the homes and commercial buildings are privately owned, so each owner has to be informed on planning guidelines. The St. George’s Preservation Authority (SGPA) lists most of the Town’s listed buildings; for details, visit www.sgpa.bm. Planning provides for three grades of listings: Grade 1 is the strictest; Grade 2 allows for minor alterations; and Grade 3 provides for general characteristics. To make changes to a listed building involves: Planning (Govt), Corporation of St. Georges’ (Town), SGPA (Governor appointed), and the Historical Building Advisory Committee (technical professionals). For industrial/commercial development, a consultation is made with World Heritage-UK.

The community has expressed concern about deteriorating buildings, solar panels, the elimination of rent control, signage, and changing the building code to allow modular, prefabs, and container housing in the community. Planning can address deteriorating buildings. The choice of solar panels to retain character is a consideration, but it is weighed against efficiency. Rent control is under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is currently undergoing a consultation process. Signage is covered under the Advertising Regulation Act 1911. Container homes don’t fit the character of the Town.

SGPA: https://sgpa.bm/
Planning: https://planning.gov.bm/ 

Police Provide a National Update

At last month's town hall on gang violence, Minister Michael Weeks, JP told a packed Penno's Wharf that "this problem is bigger than any one neighbourhood—it affects all of Bermuda." Commissioner Darrin Simons outlined a weapons amnesty. Residents shared frustrations.

The stark reality: young men trapped in their own neighborhoods by gang affiliations, unable to attend Cup Match or visit family—prisoners of past decisions. An official's words echoed: "Bermuda cannot police its way out of this."

The community expressed concerns about stressors like cost of living, diversion programs and reaching them while young. Our grandparents faced high costs of living too, yet when a bar fight made headlines, the whole island talked. Today's weapons amnesty exists because violence has escalated beyond what policing alone can address. 

The shift isn't about worse people—it's about changed standards.

It was noted that crime isn't imported; it's created here, by us, through what we tolerate. Generations before had community enforcement of norms: love, responsibility, and correction that matched the stakes. These elements, along with the police force at the time, had a different community strategy than today—a strategy of shared accountability, unlike the current default of allowing children every single freedom while a parent works three jobs to finance it.

Only the community can arrest this problem. Not police. Not programs. Us—deciding collectively what we'll accept, what we'll reinforce, and what we'll correct. Wrapping arms around struggling families, yes, but also establishing that some behaviors are unacceptable here.

The question is: will we show up to the harder work of setting standards together?

Full Presentation with questions and answers:
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=day7xw5KSeU

Town of St George Lit Up!

The Town was officially lit up on Saturday, November 29, 2025. We invite you to come and view the spectacular lights: the magnificent Towne Hall and the multi-colours that adorn Ordnance Island and Hunter's Wharf. Experience the true holiday spirit with your family and friends as you make your way around the town. The lights will be on nightly until January 1, 2026.

Photos & Video: https://bernews.com/2025/11/photos-st-georges-lighting-of-the-town

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 

BNT Christmas Walkabout
Friday, 5 December 5th | 6 pm – 9 pm | Town of St. George

Santa Comes To Town
Saturday, December 13th | 6 pm - 10 pm | King’s Square

Winter Wonderland Somers Garden
-  Display: Friday, Dec 12th until Wednesday, Dec 31st 
-  Movie Nights: Dec 20, 24, 26, 27 and 28
-  Santa & Friends: Dec 20 and 24
Times: Sunday-Thursday 6pm-9pm | Friday & Saturday 6pm-10pm

NYE Celebration
Wednesday, December 31st | 7 pm - 1 am | King’s Square

Santa Comes To Town

For all the good girls and boys. 

AThe Corporation of St. George's welcomes kids young and old to see Santa as he arrives with all his friends for a fun-filled evening of treats, holiday celebrations, and performances.

This year, PowerGirl will lead the evening as MC, with DJ Donnie keeping the atmosphere fun. Taking the spotlight will be performances by St. George's Original Dancerettes, The Ex-Artillery Elite, Sui Generis Dance Team, PHC Majorettes & Drum Corps. And, without question, we will have gombeys—Places New Generation Gombeys will take center stage on the Square.

Snacks and treats will be available on the square, provided by: Spot Restaurant, Bermuda Cupcake Company, Duch Pops, Ashley's Lemonade, and Food Hub. For memorabilia: Toy Express and Paintz by Z. Plus, we will have fun castles.

We graciously thank BGA, Robertson's, and Conyers Imports for sponsoring the 2025 Town of St. George Santa Comes To Town event.

Date: Saturday, December 13th
Time: 6 pm - 10 pm
Location: King's Square

NYE 2026 Celebration

Begin the new year celebrating with old friends. 

AStart your new year right by ringing in 2026 with friends and family to watch the iconic Bermudian Onion Drop! The Corporation of St. George’s invites all of Bermuda to the Town of St. George for this beloved annual tradition, now with an exciting new drone light show that will brighten the St. George’s sky ahead of the big moment.

Arrive early for free parking at Tiger Bay and free entry to the venue. Enjoy vendors on the square including Ashley's Lemonade, Bermuda Cupcake Company, Food Hub, Dandy Donuts, Toy Express, Duch Pops, and Jazzy Treats. Entertainment includes DJs DJ Iceman and DJ Kaos, MC Nadanja Bailey, live performances by DIA Band featuring Olivia Hamilton, Kase & Demara Maybury, and the debut of this year’s dazzling drone show.

Date: Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Time: 7pm - 1am
Location: King's Square, St. George's, Bermuda

Did you know …

You can host an event in St. George’s at one of the amazing locations: Penno’s Wharf, Somers Garden, King's Square and Towne Hall. Each of these venues are beautiful and idyllic to host a company function, wedding (singular), birthday or special occasion. For more information please contact the office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 297-1532.

UNESCO | SPOTLIGHT

Tucker House, located at 5 Water Street in St. George's, is one of the Bermuda National Trust's most important historic properties; the business operates as a Museum and Archaeological Exhibit. Built around 1752 by merchant Captain Thomas Smith, this merchant's house became home to President Henry Tucker and his family from 1775 to 1808. During their residence, the Tuckers lived through the infamous Gunpowder Plot of 1775, when Bermudians stole British gunpowder to trade with American revolutionaries for desperately needed wheat. The property later housed another notable resident—Joseph Hayne Rainey, who rented the detached kitchen as a barbershop from 1862 to 1865 before returning to the United States to become the first Black member of the House of Representatives.

Today, Tucker House operates as a museum featuring an outstanding collection of 18th-century furniture, paintings, china, and silver, much of it originally belonging to the Tucker family. First opened in 1953 and now cared for by the Bermuda National Trust since 1970, the house also displays Bermuda's first archaeological exhibit, with artifacts excavated from beneath the floorboards that provide insight into the material life of wealthy colonial Bermudians and their connections to the broader Atlantic world.

Tucker House
Location: 5 Water Street, St, George's Bermuda
Website: www.bnt.bm
Hours: Currently closed for conservation and curation
Admission: Check website for reopening details

English Sports Shop

A Century of Style in the Heart of St. George
Nestled in a distinctive pink historic building at 30 Water Street, near the Post Office, The English Sports Shop has been a cornerstone of Bermudian fashion since 1918. Owned by Mr. David Hamshere, Ms. Julia Hamshere-Currelly, and Mr. Ronald Maughan, this iconic establishment operates from a building that houses one of the original salt cellars—a fitting home for a business steeped in island heritage.

The Inspiration Behind the Operation
For over a century, The English Sports Shop's mission has remained unchanged: serving the community through life's most important moments. From first days of school to graduations, first jobs to weddings, and cherished traditions like Cup Match, the shop has dressed generations of Bermudians for every milestone. The store also takes pride in sharing authentic Bermuda style with visitors from around the world, making island fashion accessible to all who discover this historic town.

Unique Offerings
Proudly known as "The Home of the original Bermuda Shorts," The English Sports Shop is the definitive destination for traditional Bermuda attire. The store offers an extensive selection of school uniforms and resort wear for men and women, including their own Bermuda-designed pieces. A customer favorite is the cotton pullover featuring a Bermuda crest in island-inspired colors. Honoring their British heritage, the shop also stocks hand-knit Irish fisherman sweaters and tartan ties, creating a unique blend of Bermudian and British style.

A St. George Institution
Having served the Town of St. George since the 1960s, The English Sports Shop has become an integral part of the community fabric. The business actively supports special events and retail initiatives that make St. George an appealing destination for both visitors and locals.

The St. George Spirit
When asked about their favorite aspect of operating in the Town, the owners consistently point to the sense of community and collaboration among business owners. This spirit of partnership makes St. George a truly special place to do business—a sentiment that visitors can feel the moment they step through the door of that distinctive pink building on Water Street.


The English Sports Shop
Location: 30 Water Street, opposite the St. George's Post Office
Call: (441) 295-2672
Social: https://www.facebook.com/EnglishSportsShop

Out & About