Caribbean Islands devastated by Hurricane Luis.

Last week the Bermuda branch of the International Red Cross launched an appeal to send help to the Islands ravaged by the storm.

So far the response has been muted but it is expected to pick up as more information about the devastation comes to light.

Red Cross director, Mr. Frank Gamble, said: "We only started last Friday and we are up to four figures.

"We will be placing newspaper adverts this week and we will be releasing details of what is needed. We hope the appeal will pick up and if the Government supports us that will help as well.'' The Cabinet met yesterday and it is understood Ministers agreed to match dollar for dollar anything raised by the Red Cross, up to $100,000. It is expected a public announcement will be made later this week.

Hurricane Luis left a trail of death and destruction last week when it swept islands including Antigua, Barbuda and St. Kitts. At least 15 people died in the storms.

The governments of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Barbados announced Monday they will combine forces in sending aid to neighbouring islands ravaged by Hurricane Luis last week.

Sir James Mitchell, John Compton and Owen Arthur, heads of state of St.

Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Barbados, respectively, toured Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis Sunday and agreed to combine their relief efforts.

The regional Prime Ministers also plan to help Antigua and Barbuda, one of the hardest hit islands, land financing from international institutions.

Banks accounts for donations have been set up at the Bank of Butterfield No 2001-663859, the Bank of Bermuda No 1001-444517 and the Bermuda Commercial Bank, No 018/01/00688.

Donations can also be mailed directly to Bermuda Red Cross, Hurricane Luis Appeal, P.O. Box HM 772, Hamilton HM CX.

DAMAGE TO CABLE WAS `ACT OF GOD' TV Damage to cable was `act of God' Up to a thousand Cablevision viewers were deprived of channel flipping over the weekend after Hurricane Luis caused power outages and damage to cables on the hillier parts of the Island.

But by yesterday, Cablevision general manager Mr. Donald Greiner said viewing had been restored to most households.

Those, however, who had hoped for a refund on their monthly fee for the days spent deprived of cable will get a stony response.

"It was an act of God. We are not responsible for acts of God,'' Mr. Greiner said tersely. "It's written in the contract.

"All our men are working. We're doing our job and providing good quality pictures.''