reconsider sending the national team to compete in the Red Stripe Bowl at the end of this month.

The Bermuda Cricket Board of Control originally voiced their concern about the situation to the West Indies Cricket Board of Control when Bermuda were drawn in Zone A -- to be played on the Caribbean Island -- against the hosts, the Windward Islands and defending champions Guyana.

But assurances were given that security would be tight.

But that was several weeks ago and there has been no significant improvement, particularly in the Kingston area, where Bermuda will play two of their three matches.

"We asked them in the very beginning when the schedule was released and they (WICBC) told us that everything was secured in the country and we were satisfied with that,'' said BCBC secretary Charlotte Simons.

"We are confident that the authorities there will look out for the safety and wellbeing of all of the teams and players involved.'' However, the US government has broadened its warnings to Americans travelling to Jamaica because of increasing gang violence in Kingston in particular.

In a recent Consular Information Sheet the US government noted "gang violence and shootings occur regularly in the Kingston metropolitan area and crime is a serious problem in Jamaica''.

In July, police and the military set up control posts and enforced curfews after more than 70 people were murdered in a three-week period in unrelated gang wars in the capital.

The report warned visitors to avoid buses and be careful at night. They are also urged to be cautious when travelling to or from Kingston's international airport, especially after dark.

The BCBC have had no further contact with authorities about the situation in the country, but secretary Simons anticipated hearing from them shortly to discuss further matters over Bermuda's involvement in the tournament.

It is understood the Board doesn't feel that things have gotten so far out of hand to warrant cancellation of the matches in Jamaica.

"We certainly haven't heard anything to the contrary,'' said Simons. Bermuda play their first game against Jamaica in Mandeville on October 27 while the two other fixtures are scheduled for Kingston's Kensington Oval against Guyana on November 1 and against the Windward Island on November 2.