sun-kissed island -- but not his own.

For ex-United Bermuda Party leader Sir John is part of a 60-strong multi-national group monitoring the tense election battle in Jamaica.

Sir John was signed up by the Carter Center, founded by ex-US president Jimmy Carter, who is also part of the Jamaica observer team, together with Gulf War hero US General Colin Powell, whose parents emigrated from the Caribbean island.

Lady Swan said this week: "He didn't have any hesitation in agreeing to go -- even though he was warned there might be a risk.

"I certainly think it's an honour to be involved in something like that.'' A shoot-out between rival supporters of the two main contenders left 12 wounded on December 2 -- nomination day.

Today, Jamaicans go to the polls with current Prime Minister P.J. Patterson's People's National Party leading the polls by nine percent over his nearest rival, former Prime Minister Edward Seaga's Labour Party.

It is the first time international observers have watched a Jamaican campaign, but Carter Center nominees have worked elsewhere, including in war-torn former Yugoslavia.

Lady Swan said Sir John was probably picked because he knows both Mr.

Patterson and Mr. Seaga from his long career in the political world.

But she added Sir John, Premier for a record 14 years, was unlikely to be called on to visit other world hot-spots.