its stiff drug penalties.

He said the US government fully supports severe sentences for drugs offences deterring would-be drug smugglers.

But both countries should make US citizens more aware of the risks of bringing drugs into the Island.

Of the 16 US citizens currently jailed in Bermuda, he said 15 are here on drugs charges.

In a speech to the Hamilton Lions Club yesterday Mr. Farmer said American youths are enticed into delivering drugs in exchange for round trip tickets to Bermuda.

"I am concerned that the message is not getting back to the streets of New York or Washington D.C.. They don't realise the ramifications of drug smuggling,'' he said.

But there were no plans to relax the stop list for Bermudians convicted of drugs offences barring them from entering the United States.

"The US law is applied to Bermuda and the whole world,'' he said. "Drugs offenders must suffer the consequences. It is not easy but it acts as a deterrent to becoming involved in the drugs culture.'' Earlier in his speech Mr. Farmer joked that a Washington Post article described the position of Consul General in Bermuda as "the most delightful and cushiest job''.

"The people are sophisticated, cultured and the climate is delightful,'' he said. "But there is a real job to do here as Consul General and I intend to do it.'' On a political level, Mr. Farmer emphasised the significance of the handing back of base land occupied by the US Navy since 1941, to Bermuda.

The smooth running and safety of the Airport was of particular concern to people, he said.

But in the forum of local politics, he said the Consul General has an advisory role to play.

"As Consul General I try to play a very neutral role and reach out to different constituencies. I hope leaders feel they have an open door to my office,'' he said.

On an economic level, he said he hoped to act as a bridge between Bermuda and the United States to encourage US companies to come here.

"Bermuda has emerged as one of the fastest growing centres for business,'' he said.

Day-to-day duties of the 14 staff at the Consul General's offices include processing more than 2,500 visas a year and providing legal assistance and financial aid for Americans who fall ill.

The Consul General is also required to visit American prisoners jailed in Bermuda every three months.

Mr. Farmer said he hoped to set up an "adopt-a-prisoner'' programme to encourage American citizens in living in Bermuda to visit their fellow countrymen in jail.