The Cuban musicians who performed on the Island earlier this year were praised by Government as being the first successful products of talks between the two countries.

Community Affairs and Sport Minister Dale Butler hailed their visit as "a resounding success" on Friday.

Mr. Butler said the talks held between Bermuda and the communist country were called a: "memorandum of understanding on cultural exchanges with the Cuban Ministry of Culture".

From April 28 to May 7, 2004, the Havana Latin Millennium Jazz Ensemble had two public performances. One at Sandys Secondary School called "Jazz under the Stars" and another at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts.

At every public performance the Cuban Jazz players were accompanied by local talents, including musicians, poets and dancers.

Our own version of the Cuban band, the National Youth Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Wendell "Shine" Hayward also performed at "Jazz under the Stars".

They also played at CedarBridge alongside local salsa dancers, vocalist Toni Robinson, pianist Dion Flash and poet Judith Bean.

Visitors and locals alike were given a sample of the exotic tones of Cuba at both Harbour Nights and smaller performances at private and public schools around the Island, he said.

"In this manner the young Cuban musicians were able to interact with Bermudians of all ages and backgrounds.

"The Bermudian public received the young, talented musicians warmly, and appreciated the beauty of their music," he said.