Keith Caisey sits down in front of a West African drum and with an almost animal instinct closes his eyes and lets the rhythm wash over him.

Mr. Caisey has been helping hundreds of local children and tourists alike get in touch with their natural ability to play the drums through Rhythm Nation, based at Dockyard.

This non-profit organisation was recently asked by the West End Development Corporation to move due to planned building and development of the property.

Mr. Caisey said there were no hard feelings, he was just desperate to find a new premises so that he could continue his work.

?It?s a pity we have to leave Dockyard as I feel we were the only truly interactive as well as colourful attraction at Dockyard for tourists.?

He said hundreds of tourists spent the last two seasons visiting Rhythm Nation to not only learn to the play the drums and have fun, but also to interact with local young people.

Even though the organisation has only been in operation at Dockyard for two summers, Mr. Caisey says hundreds of children have passed through the doors and have left with a feeling of accomplishment.

?Most of these kids were just hanging out on the streets and we gave them the opportunity to learn something.?

Mr. Caisey said he taught a variety of traditional instruments including the Brazilian, West African and Afro-Cuban drums as well as how to make the instruments and costumes.

Most of the costumes and instruments were used in extravagant shows at Dockyard and elsewhere on the Island during the summer.

Mr. Caisey said he hoped Wedco would give them one more season to perform at Dockyard.

?If we don?t find another premises, we will have to close our doors for good and that would be a great loss, not just for the children, but also for tourism in Bermuda.?

As a non-profit organisation, Rhythm Nation has never received any funding from Government and Mr. Caisey said he would be willing to go another way if Government wanted to become involved.

Anyone who can help the organisation can call Mr. Caisey at 238-6632.