Gospel singer CeCe Winans last night entertained a packed house at Hamilton's St. Paul AME Church as the latest faith-based tourism event was declared a success by its organiser.

Nine hundred people turned out for yesterday's energetic show from the award-winning performer, with a further 600 in attendance on Saturday night, according to faith-based tourism boss Andre Curtis.

Premier and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown also gave a speech in which he outlined how faith-based tourism has grown and thanked the crowd for its support.

Mr. Curtis said Ms Winans' performance was "absolutely fantastic" and that over the course of the weekend more than 100 people had given their hearts to God — something he described as "a biggie".

"It went extremely well. The crowd went off — they erupted. She was power-packed. She packed with a punch." Mr. Curtis told The Royal Gazette.

"There were 112 people who gave their hearts to God. That's a biggie when they do that."

The number of tourists among the crowd has not yet been revealed, although Mr. Curtis has said many people flew in from the US, including a Congressman from Washington and four companions.

Since the summer, Mr. Curtis has repeatedly been accused of failing to attract enough visitors through faith-based tourism, despite receiving $400,000 taxpayers' money to run it.

According to his contract, he is required to lure 2,200 tourists throughout the financial year, and so far estimates the figure is 1,500. He has pledged an accurate total number of tourists for the six faith-based tourism events so far in 2007-08 will be available this week.

Mr. Curtis runs the Premier's constituency in Warwick South Central, and both deny faith-based tourism is being used as a way for Dr. Brown to get cash to him as a thank you gesture.

Mr. Curtis says he is not hurt by criticism of his efforts — saying that God is directing him and that he has recently been moved to tears by the fact He has chosen him.