First it was Premier Alex Scott who found himself in hot water over an errant email to entertainer Tony Brannon.

Now it's Tony Brannon being accused of "treachery" following an errant email.

Entertainer and musical director at the Airport Gene Steede said the "secret communiqu?" was sent to all musicians on the Island ? with the exception of him.

"I think I'm under attack and I think it is unfair," he said, adding that he was seeking legal advice on the matter.

The email refers to a telephone call between Mike Osborn and Mr. Brannon concerning a tender for musicians in the arrivals hall at the Airport.

"He is anxious to have someone contact him to suggest who would like to play there and run the programme. Apparently only one application form has been picked up so far," the email states.

However, before Mr. Brannon sent the email, he attached his "opinion" to the bottom.

It read: "I will say I have personally been on record for years as saying that it is a waste of taxpayer dollars to do this, and that if Government wanted to support the 'ageing calypso musicians' then they would be better off to fund them at the Dockyard or St. George's during the season. It would be better for the visitors who could listen to more than one or two songs as they are waiting to clear immigration ... and would be better in terms of artistic satisfaction for the musicians."

He added: "I mean, can't you all wait to end your playing days at the Airport?? I'd rather hang myself.

"As a member of the Musicians Union I think these guys should be playing in places where they can truly be appreciated instead of being some window dressing that the politicians think is nice."

Before signing off, Mr. Brannon wrote: "If this is the old age calypso pensioners gig, then so be it, but as someone said recently... It is a lie to offer up Gene Steede at the Airport, letting visitors think 'Oh there will be plenty of Calypso/Island music in Bermuda' ... when the truth is that there is hardly any left at our remaining hotels."

Describing Mr. Brannon as a "ruthlessly ambitious individual," Mr. Steede said yesterday that not only is his livelihood threatened, but also the livelihoods of the other performing musicians who serve with him at the Airport.

"The action initiated by this self-appointed 'authority' is so mean spirited as to suggest that not only is the work we do redundant, but we the people are equally redundant," Mr. Steede said.

"He further states that death would be preferable to the work that we are doing."

Mr. Steede said Mr. Brannon's words undermine the dignity of all senior citizens who still have much to give.

"We are part and parcel of the Bermudian national treasure," he said, adding that he felt his good name had been sullied by the email and he felt it was his right to defend himself.

Mr. Steede said when work in the hotels slowed down, the live performances at the Airport were created as a countermeasure.

These performances, he said, welcome visitors to the Island and also returning Bermudians.

"One would only have to observe the smiles on the faces and the tapping feet of the visitors to understand," he said.

It was a win-win situation, he said, in which arriving passengers are happy and musicians are working.

Mr. Brannon suggested playing CDs at the Airport, an idea which Mr. Steede described as "absurd".

"Recorded music does not smile at visitors, does not with the warmth of human presence, say 'Welcome.'"

He said the Bermudian economy is dependent on tourism and everyone is an ambassador to Bermuda ? a role, he said, he takes very seriously.

Mr. Brannon said yesterday he called Mr. Steede and apologised, but Mr. Steede would not accept his apology, adding that he should not have made a personal comment about him.

"I didn't mean any insult to him," Mr. Brannon said. "It was my view that I would not like to end up my career playing at the Airport."

But, if it put bread and butter on the table and was the only gig Government was offering, then who was he to argue, he added.

"But I think it would be better off for everyone concerned to be in a situation where they are appreciated, instead of having people walk by trying to get out of the Airport as fast as they want," he said.

Mr. Brannon said as for the email, it was his opinion and he was entitled to it.