TOURISM activist Tony Brannon has dismissed as "insane" Government's failure to support local entertainers.

Mr. Brannon last week called on Tourism Minister Ewart Brown to ban cruise ships from putting on live shows while in port, arguing that passengers had no incentive to go out and sample local night spots.

Dr. Brown has since confirmed that Government will not "attract business by default" but instead would adopt a "free market approach".

"If things are attractive on land, then the passengers will come off the cruise ships," he said.

But yesterday Mr. Brannon accused the Minister of neglecting working Bermudians who were struggling to make a living.

"I found the Minister's comments staggering," Mr. Brannon said. "Most musicians are flabbergasted and I'm sure the likes of Hubert Smith and others ? the guys who founded the Bermuda Federation of Musicians and Variety Artists ? will be turning in their graves.

"The Progressive Labour Party is supposed to represent labour and that's what we are ? musical labourers. But we're getting no support from this Government."

Mr. Brannon pointed out that the ban on cruise ships providing entertainment on board while in port was lifted by former Tourism Minister David Allen after the PLP won office in 1998.

He acknowledged that public taste could not be "policed" but added that cruise ships had an unfair advantage over local entertainers by providing entertainment as part of a pre-paid package.

And he noted that cruise ship stores were forced to close while in dock to encourage passengers to visit island stores.

"Why aren't musicians and clubs given the same opportunity?" he said.

"The bottom line is Government has got itself into the entertainment business, holding events like music festivals, but they're not doing anything for the private sector.

"As far as the big picture goes, yes, the industry does need to reinvent itself ? Bermuda hotels don't provide any entertainment at the moment ? but Government should be giving them tax breaks and getting rid of levies to encourage them to put on local acts.

"The economic model isn't there to make entertainment thrive and Government getting involved in the business is like Communism. It's state-sponsored entertainment.

"We've had three Tourism Ministers under this Government. The first was a bull in a china shop, I'm not sure what the second one did, and now we have Dr. Brown doing it his way. He's getting things done but he's running around the place while failing to look at the big picture."

Mr. Brannon also ridiculed a suggestion by Dr. Brown to have local acts performing on board ships.

He said that the cruise liners paid their staff at "Third-World rates" and that only a few would benefit.

"You wouldn't have a tourist paying for a local taxi, buying drinks in a local bar or tipping a local waiter," he said.