Premier Jennifer Smith yesterday encouraged residents to make sure they had sufficient cash and food stocks on hand when the year 2000 rolled around.

"It is important to emphasise that while there is no reason to panic, every individual should take sensible and reasonable precautions to prepare for this historic event,'' she told the Island's media at a Press conference.

"It would be reasonable to ensure that you have sufficient cash on hand for your immediate needs and that food supplies are sufficient to see you through at least a week.'' The advice seemed inconsistent with comments made recently by Development and Opportunity Minister Terry Lister who urged the public not to hoard gas, food or money.

"People should not be panicked into hoarding supplies of food, gas or medicine,'' he said.

"Of course, hoarding cash isn't a good idea at the best of times because is makes people vulnerable to the less-than-honest among us. Please don't do it.'' But yesterday Mr. Lister clarified Government's position on the subject and dismissed claims of inconsistency between his and his leader's statements.

"What we mean about having sufficient cash on hand is don't take thousands of dollars out of the bank,'' he said. "Take out what you will need for what is essentially a five-day holiday weekend,'' said Mr. Lister.

"No one will be doing much on Friday so it will be a five-day long holiday.'' He added: "What we are saying about food is that when you go shopping you should get your full set of groceries for the week as opposed to hoarding.

Mr. Lister pointed out that having cash and food on hand was just common sense in terms of preparedness in the same way having flashlights, batteries and candles on hand were sensible precautions.

The Premier also announced during yesterday's Press conference that a command and control centre on the lower floor of the Warner Building was being set up to handle problems that may arise in the rollover from 1999 to 2000.

"Some companies will have personnel on hand to monitor the Y2K rollover period and Government will do likewise,'' Ms Smith said.

"A command and control centre has also been set up to be the nerve centre for Y2K operations throughout the critical period.'' She was joined at the Press conference by banker Barry Shailer, who is responsible for the Y2K preparedness within the international business arena.