But that won't stop the Bermudian from looking for other opportunities in that country or encouraging others to do the same.

Mr. Hart set up a business called Snuba, which catered to an activity that was a cross between snorkelling and scuba diving and involves dives in shallow water, 15 feet maximum.

"It attracts the snorkellers more so than the scuba divers,'' Mr. Hart pointed out.

And though the business was popular, the weather conditions brought on by El Nino and the fact that Mr. Hart wasn't able to spend more time there, eventually led to the business failing.

"The business was difficult putting together because of the weather conditions we faced,'' he explained.

"It was during the year of El Nino so it was very difficult to get it set up.'' Mr. Hart actually spent four months initially in Cuba helping his partner get the business off the ground. "The business required me to be there full time and I eventually had to close it,'' he explained.

Mr. Hart was brought together with his business partner during a trip to Havana for a Trade Fair a few years ago.

"If the business is attractive, it's just a matter of finding someone interested in your idea,'' he said.

"At that Trade Fair I had to have a Cuban interpreter but we found someone quite rapidly. I was interested in watersports and we found someone interested in watersports.'' The Communist system requires that all businesses come under the umbrella of the Cuban Government.

"....so that when you land a deal you're really working with the Cuban Government,'' Mr. Hart revealed.

"You work with a management team. You go in as a `technical assistant' and show them how to run the business. They (Government) provide all the manpower and give you as much assistance as possible.

"Before you even start your business you have to make sure there is a clear understanding as to what role both of you are going to play and how you draw the contract up is very, very important.'' Try again if you don't succeed Added Mr. Hart: "Once you sign on the dotted line the Cuban company honours your contract because they are watched by the Cuban Government. I work with my partner and he works with the Government so it is quite safe that way. I would encourage anybody going over there who is business orientated to take that chance.'' Mr. Hart was initially drawn to Cuba for more than just business opportunities.

"My main draw to Cuba was the music, I've always been influenced by Cuban music,'' he disclosed.

"One of my biggest idols is Mongo Santamaria, percussionists living in New York. He came to Bermuda years ago and performed at the Forty Thieves.

"At that time he was riding high on the charts and his style of music had a big impact on my life. I also play Latin percussions.'' It was on a charter about four years ago that Mr. Hart first went to Cuba for a Trade Fair.

"I wanted to look around and see if there was a possibility of having a business over there,'' he revealed.

Another trip to Cuba for another Trade Fair next month could possibly put Mr.

Hart in contact with another business partner.

"After putting so much time in Cuba it's almost like my second home,'' he says.

"I am looking around for something else to do, preferably in tourism which is growing rapidly. They can't build hotels fast enough.

"People who are business orientated know that when one door closes another opens. You need to either have big money or a great idea.''