United Bermuda Party MP Louise Jackson has lashed out a fundraising plan to bring Cuban artists to Bermuda.

Mrs. Jackson told The Royal Gazette: "I understand that the Minister of Cultural Affairs has been standing out front of a MarketPlace store, handing out leaflets to Bermudians, asking for money to bring in a jazz band. I've had calls. People have stopped me in the streets."

Mrs. Jackson said with so many Bermudian students involved in the arts and sports, the limited funds from Island arts council grants would only go so far, and Minister Dale Butler, should make them his priority.

"I could point to dozens of students who would love to travel outside Bermuda and do classes or workshops in music, dance and with all the sports."

"One of the persons at one of the larger firms who distributes money (to Bermudians) told me he was appalled. These firms are getting letters asking for money to let Bermudian children go abroad, either in arts or sports. You'd think the Minister of Cultural Affairs, Youth and Sports would be trying to raise money for Bermuda students to go abroad.

"Personally, I spoke to Minister Butler back in September, I asked him about the granting of more scholarships and money for students to take workshops and travel. We both agreed that Bermudian students need to go abroad.

"I have nothing against Cuba but it seems their own country should pay for them."

Another arts teacher who did not want to be named said she was "upset" that the Minister was raising money for non-Bermudian performers.

"If they want to bring in Cuban musicians, that's fine. But they should raise their own money to get here like Bermudian artists would have to raise money to go there."

Mr. Butler is off the Island until Thursday and could not be contacted by The Royal Gazette last night.