The vice president of the Federation of Musicians and Variety Artists has spoken out against criticism musicians union and singled out an Opposition MP for promoting local arts.

Vice President, Wendell (Shine) Hayward, said it was wrong of musicians to think that the executive of the BFM&VA are doing nothing for them.

Recently outspoken entertainer Tony Brannon has stated that the current President, saxophonist Miles Manders, has failed to show up to numerous meetings.

He also said little has been done to promote local entertainment in hotels and get tax breaks to artists of all genres for work related materials.

Mr. Hayward acknowledged that the president has not been at several meetings but said their was a reasonable explanation. ?His commitment to a musical project, which has required him be off the island quite a bit this year and steady work, has made it difficult for him to attend quite a few meetings this year,? Mr. Hayward explained. ?This however has not deterred the executive from carrying on the business of the union in his absence.?

He agreed with Mr. Brannon?s complaints and said there were a number of issues that need to be addressed in the entertainment industry and added that ?tax breaks would be wonderful?.

One of Mr. Brannon?s biggest gripes was the quantity of local entertainment at hotels.

?Each major hotel should have an Entertainment Director separate from the Food and Beverage Director,? he commented. ?Hotels never ever spend any money on decent production. A good stage, exciting Lighting and good sound.

?Hotels need to offer fun on their beaches all summer long. Right now it is reduced to catering to conventions solely. Hotels need to promote on-island functions better,? he added. ?Gone are the days when all the independent nightclubs and places such as Hawkins Island are allowed to place posters at the hotels.?

Mr. Hayward said the BFM&VA agreed that hotels could do more to incorporate local entertainment.

?Tourist look forward to experiencing the culture of foreign countries visited,? he said. ?Music, entertainment and the arts are a big part of any countries culture. When we compare entertainment in our hotels today to the days of every hotel having a house band and travelling local shows and then compare today?s hotel rates to the rates of that same period, you have to conclude that guest are being short-changed.

?Having said that, I must give props to the honourable David Dodwell and the Reefs. Not only do they have local entertainment every night, but the majority staff is local.?

He said he hopes many of the issues will be addressed in a meeting with Government after Cup Match.