road in an attempt to conquer the big-time world of American entertainment.

Mr. Earlwin Wolffe -- popularly known as Bootsie -- announced this week that he is leaving the Island for an undetermined period of time to sell his distinctive brand of streetwise humour in the US.

A popular figure in local comedy venues, the 26-year-old has been playing to sell-out audiences across the Island since 1990.

Since becoming a full-time comedian in the late 1980s, he has opened shows for such well-known performers as pop singer Peabo Bryson, jazz artist George Howard, reggae star Ziggy Marley and rap group Naughty By Nature.

Mr. Wolffe also hopes that his move to the US would also promote the talents of other local artists.

"I would love to be the individual to help put Bermuda on the map internationally,'' he said.