permission to bring in a foreign musician.

She wants to hire a non-Bermudian pianist, the Immigration Minister told MPs during a fierce debate on the local music scene.

The Minister, the Hon. Irving Pearman, made the statement amid a growing row surrounding the planned return of the Follies show.

Ms Steede has called for a larger local content in the show. It is time for Bermudians to take a stand, she says.

But in the House of Assembly, Mr. Pearman asked: "Are you telling me you can't find a Bermudian pianist?'' The Minister was the target of demands for more Bermudian entertainment on the Island during Friday night's motion to adjourn.

The issue was raised by St. George's PLP MP Mr. Leon (Jimmy) Williams, who attacked plans by Mr. Greg Thompson to bring back the Follies.

He must be made to agree to train Bermudians to dance in his shows before being allowed back, Mr. Williams demanded.

His requirement for dancers to perform in an afternoon show was a direct attempt at keeping out Bermudians, he said.

"The requirement would eliminate most Bermudian entertainers -- who have day jobs,'' he said.

"If Greg Thompson comes back to Bermuda he must take Bermuda seriously.'' Visitors wanted to see local shows, not Atlantic City or Vegas showgirls.

Mr. Williams said people were booking for Soca acts like Byron Lee already.

The Hon. Maxwell Burgess accused Mr. Williams of "hypocrisy'' -- saying it was OK to bring in foreign entertainers for Bermudians, but not for the Island's visitors.

Dr. Ewart Brown (PLP) said it was ridiculous to equate an entertainer coming in from abroad to perform, and people being brought in to work for a long period of time.

"We believe that Bermudians are entitled to entertainment of all sorts, and if we have to import an entertainer there's no opposition to that.'' The Rev. Trevor Woolridge (PLP) said he had not driven his taxi for five months. "Like many local entertainers, we have been laid off because there's no work for us.'' Visitors often asked him where they could find good local entertainment. He said tourists would come out of the Follies show saying the local act was all they had wanted to see.

Promoting local talent would improve visitors' experience and create self-pride, he said.

Mr. David Dodwell (UBP) said research had shown that visitors were not enjoying Bermuda's entertainment scene. But it was difficult to know what visitors wanted to hear -- they didn't really know themselves. More research needed to be done.

But he did feel the Island needed to be more creative, and "unbundle''.

"Tourists being happy means making a little noise after 10 p.m.'' Mr. Pearman said entertainment was very subjective. His Ministry had invested a lot over the last three years in trying to give the issue a "sense of direction''.

It had been difficult, trying to get Bermudian artists exposed.

He explained that traditionally, Government dealt with the Bermuda Federation of Musicians and Variety Artistes.

But there were other performers outside that umbrella, and he had tried, unsuccessfully, to organise a showcase for them to display their talents to employers.

Government policy was to contact the federation when an application came in to bring in a foreign entertainer. But they had objected to virtually every one, irrespective of what it was for.

The Follies had attracted some Bermudian applicants. But because the venue of the show was small, a matinee show was needed, and this meant those with day jobs could not take part.

At present Government was trying to find a way that the federation's membership could be "enhanced'' and other talented Bermudians included.

Every effort was being made to boost the amount of work for locals. But the solution to the problem was difficult and elusive.

At present there was a rule that between March and November, foreigners could perform without a Bermudian being given corresponding stage time. From November to March, Bermudians had to be given an equal amount of stage time as guest workers.

This rule needed to be changed, Mr. Pearman said.