A local entertainment promoter has launched an e-mail campaign seeking support against Long Island summer home owner David Lines who, he said, is threatening to ruin a lucrative entertainment venue for visitors.

Tony Brannon, who runs the entertainment for the `Don't Stop de Carnival' parties at Hawkins Island said organisers have been contacted by the Police at least six times in the past ten days concerning noise complaints from area residents.

Mr. Brannon said he believed that Mr. Lines, who owns a summer home on Long Island, is the primary resident who has complained about the event.

In a message posted on Bermuda.com, Mr. Brannon said: "There have been many problems with him trying to throw his weight around with the former Government in the hopes of shutting down Hawkins Island.'' He added: "I, Tony Brannon, along with all 22 employees of Hawkins Island, will solicit the support of all Bermuda in asking the Government to declare Hawkins Island as an entertainment venue...that has the permission to entertain visitors up to 11 p.m. every night.'' Police have confirmed that a complaint was officially filed with them last Sunday evening but were unable to say from whom the complaint came or what time frame the complaint was regarding.

But Mr. Brannon argued in his e-mail that Mr. Lines was the only culprit.

When contacted by The Royal Gazette , Mr. Lines refused to comment on the allegations lodged against him.

He said: "Mr. Brannon is just trying to stir up trouble. I have a thick file and the matter is now with the Police and my lawyers.'' Mr. Brannon told The Royal Gazette that the parties at Hawkins Island offered visitors and locals one of the few opportunities to enjoy live Island music.

The popular event attracts locals and visitors alike from Tuesday to Saturday to the venue in the Great Sound.

Mr. Brannon said he believed Bermuda's waning tourism industry could ill afford to lose the event, which he said attracted up to 300 people per night and 1,000 visitors each week.

He noted he had attended a meeting earlier that week regarding tourism where the issue of live entertainment was discussed.

He said in his e-mail: "Bermuda tourism is under threat right now. Only this week I attended a meeting chaired by Tourism Minister David Allen where all sorts of issues regarding how to revive tourism were discussed, not least of which was Island entertainment...or the lack of it.'' He continued: "Hawkins Island offers one of the best nights out, not only for visitors, but also locals. How many nightclubs are left with live Island entertainment?'' In the interview with The Royal Gazette , Mr. Brannon said: "We need to make up our minds are we going to be in the tourist business or not. Without bass and drums and a good, serious thump we won't get it done.'' He added that on Saturday night, 25 Police officers were on the Island celebrating an officer's retirement.

Other Long Island home-owners have backed Mr. Brannon in a bid to save the event.

Stephen Dallas said: "People have to be entertained somewhere...particularly our visitors.'' He added: "I don't have a problem with it. It's not that noisy. It would be worse on the mainland and more people would be disrupted.''