A Jamaican reggae singer demanded an apology yesterday after he was refused entry to Bermuda when the concert he was scheduled to perform in was cancelled.

A spokesman for 28-year-old Vershon, whose real name is Kemar Vershawn Brown, said he was told at the airport that, because of the cancellation of the BDA Summer Music Festival, his work permit was “null and void” and he would not be allowed to enter the country as a tourist.

The spokesman said: “While we understand that Vershon needs a work permit to work on the island, and the Government right and decision to cancel the event and permits, the artist still had the legally required documentation to visit the island as a tourist, which was ignored.”

He added: “It’s unfortunate that those who seek to bring positive publicity and aid in the economic development of Bermuda’s tourism sector are refused entry even with the proper documentation.

“The artist, who is a brand ambassador for reggae-dancehall music, is owed an apology for the way it was handled.”

The BDA Summer Music Festival was scheduled to be held at Snorkel Park last Saturday, but was cancelled at the last minute because of immigration-clearance problems.

Azia Toussaint, a rapper and reality TV star who was also scheduled to perform at the concert, was able to enter the country and blogged about her time in Bermuda in glowing terms.

The national security ministry, which is responsible for immigration matters, did not respond to a request for comment.