recent Canadian travel bulletin which warned visitors about petty crimes and urging them to exercise caution and common sense while on the Island -- has barely caused a ripple up north.

Tourism Minister David Dodwell said the Canadian government had issued the travel information report in response to numerous calls they had received concerning Bermuda.

The report did not necessarily advise against travel to the Island and since its release there had been little further comment about Bermuda, he continued.

Clearly the department did not want it to happen, but it reflected concern over crime in Bermuda and the effect it could have on the tourism industry.

However, it was interesting to note that other countries such as Jamaica -- which had more murders than Bermuda -- did not have travels reports issued about them.

The bulletin, issued September 6, notes despite two highly publicised crimes where Canadians were victimised, attacks against foreigners were rare.

"The Department has reviewed with Bermudian authorities crime statistics (1994-96) and notes that crimes against tourists in the first six months of 1996 were significantly lower (37 percent) than the same period in 1995.'' The bulletin, however, advises Canadians to take normal precautions such as not carrying large sums of money with them, ensuring valuables in vehicles are kept out of sight and kept in sight while on the beach, and to avoid unpatrolled beaches at night and to check with authorities to find out which beaches are patrolled.

When contacted recently by The Royal Gazette Canadian travel agents were surprised to hear External Affairs in Ottawa had even issued such an advisory.

"What advisory?'' asked Tom Beckett of Toronto-based Sun Holidays.

"All the talk here has been about Mexico and the rebel movement. I hate to ignore you guys but there's no word about Bermuda. Absolutely zero. Nobody here thinks of it as an unsafe destination,'' he said.

Julie Dodaro of Al Perly Travel Services in Toronto admitted she was aware an advisory had been issued but said there's been little reaction by her clients.