Website BlackVoices.com has provoked a backlash by referring to Bermuda as "a third world country".

In a review of the Bermuda Music Festival, the website blasts treatment of the media by Alicia Keys' representatives, claiming stadium security staff were so heavy-handed they threw one photographer out of the stadium.

The article, by Karu F. Daniels, states: "I have a saying that I always tell fellow colleagues when covering events such as the 'Bermuda Music Festival' and the like. It is: 'I don't come to a third world country to be treated like a second class citizen!'"

The review goes on to say: "I would've never thought that I would bear witness to an actual photographer (sanctioned and approved) getting roughed up by security guards and tossed out of the stadium (read: stadium) while Keys shimmered and shined on the stage.

"What was said photographer's offence? He moved from the position he was in to get a better shot of Keys (behind the barricaded area reserved for media)."

Before Miss Keys' performance, photographers were warned not to move from their position for the first two songs – during which they were allowed to take images – or face ejection.

BlackVoices.com, which describes itself as "the premiere site for African-American culture and community", also refers to recent challenges facing the tourism industry on the Island and states: "Now, if Bermudian tax-payers can spend three quarters of a million dollars on an artist who has her camp treat media like this, what is that to say about where their priorities are?

"If working members of the press get this type of treatment, what about regular civilians who just want to enjoy the sights and sounds of the beatific destination. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?"

Last night, the article had drawn criticism from those online, one of whom said: "Bermuda is NOT a third world country. The ill treatment of media was mainly because of Bermuda's lack of experience when dealing with such a huge festival with such huge stars... hopefully, after reviewing this story and listening to other media (including local media) who were also mistreated, things will improve in future."

Another said: "Bermuda is revving up its engine to start hosting Big Name acts, and the country and its citizens want to make sure that they get it right. Bermuda is one of the most beautiful islands, inhabited by lovely and very friendly people. I certainly hope this inane article and its insinuations do not inhibit even one person from visiting this Island Paradise."

Last night Kelly Petrone of Corbin and Associates, the Bermuda Department of Tourism PR Agency, said: "We pride ourselves in treating all visitors with the high standard of hospitably Bermudians are world-renown for. We always treat media and visitors warmly and respectfully.

"Therefore the treatment outlined in the Blackvoices.com article is regrettable, but we should point out that media access to artists and the coverage of their performances are handled by the performers' publicist teams. We hope the actions of those publicists, who are visitors to Bermuda, do not tarnish in any way the well-earned reputation of warm hospitality that Bermuda enjoys. However, headline artists often times come with restriction-wielding publicists.

"Meantime, on Thursday, a number of overseas journalists expressed disappointment with the media hospitality area which was not stocked with catering and other amenities. Upon hearing those complaints, the Department of Tourism immediately rectified the situation.

"Finally, all the reporting we've tracked thus far suggests the level of Bermuda Music Festival performances were stellar, indicative of an event that is consistently improving year over year. We appreciate the media who worked hard over the weekend to share that tremendously positive story with the world."