Y2K is okay.

And Development and Opportunity Minister Terry Lister urged people not to give in to panic buying and hoard gas, food or money in case of computer crashes on January 1.

And he said anyone fitted with a pacemaker overseas should have it checked to see if the computer chip inside will survive the turn of the year. Mr. Lister said: "People should not be panicked into hoarding supplies of food, gas or medicine. It simply isn't going to be necessary for use here in Bermuda -- the supermarkets, importers, the banks, gas stations and drugstores are all well-prepared for January 1.'' And he pointed out: "Of course, hoarding cash isn't a good idea at the best of times because it makes people vulnerable to the less-than-honest among us.

"Please don't do it.'' He added: "Pacemakers do use computer chips, and it is conceivable that one or two of the older ones might have a problem.'' But he stressed: "The hospital has talked to all pacemaker patients and has made sure that their devices are Y2K compliant.

"Anyone who has such a device which was implanted at the King Edward and who is not sure it's been checked should call his or her doctor to ask for advice.'' Mr. Lister was speaking as he and Y2K troubleshooter Greg Swan unveiled the special leaflet, designed to help people understand the worldwide computer problem and how to make sure its effects are minimised.

Mr. Swan said Bermuda's bid to beat the bug was going well -- with Government systems "100 percent'' up-to-date and suppliers to Government not far behind.