Government announced yesterday.

The Jamaican performer was "tentatively'' booked to appear on August 20 during Bermuda's two-day Reggae Sunsplash.

It is believed organisers were waiting for the green light from Home Affairs Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman before confirming his visit.

In June the Bermuda Human Rights Alliance, a local gay group, asked Mr.

Pearman to ban the artist from the Island.

They pointed to his song "Boom Bye Bye'', which they said advocated killing homosexual men.

Violence against gay people is on the increase in Bermuda, says the BHRA. But yesterday Mr. Pearman said he had granted permission for Banton, also known as Mark Myre, to perform.

"I have given this matter much thought and consideration and have weighed very carefully the reasons given why Mr. Myre should be banned.

"Some Bermudians find the lyrics of the song offensive. However, I cannot ban him for making use of the privilege of free speech.

"Bermuda is a democracy which subscribes to the principle of free speech. "I am not aware that Mr. Myre has committed a crime by singing this song, nor have we discovered any other act on his part which would justify an immigration ban.'' Mr. Pearman said he had talked to promoters of the show, but had been unable to meet BHRA representatives because they had not revealed their identities.

Last night a spokeswoman for Penthouse, Banton's recording and management firm in Jamaica, said he still had a "tentative booking''.

"We have a booking for him but we haven't confirmed it yet,'' she said. The company was waiting to hear from Famous Artists in New York, Banton's agents.

She said "Boom Bye Bye'' was an old song. He did not usually perform it now, although she expected his Jamaican fans to demand it when he performs today at their Sunsplash.

"He doesn't normally do it when he's on tour. I can't remember him doing it abroad unless someone requested it.'' Local promoters for the show could not be reached last night. Famous Artists were unable to confirm or deny Banton's visit.