message from cricket officials in Jamaica to countries visiting for this month's Red Stripe Bowl is loud and clear -- the problems will not affect the tournament.

The claim comes despite a United States government warning to Americans to be aware of the increasing crime rate and after prisoners on death row were among 23 who escaped from maximum security last weekend.

The Jamaican cricket authorities feel, however, that Bermuda, the Windward Islands and champions Guyana should have no fears about safety.

Jamaica Cricket Board executive George Prescott said yesterday that no country had shown any official concern.

"The teams will certainly have no problems in regard to safety while they are visiting Jamaica,'' he said.

"Security for visiting teams is always a high priority, and extra steps to ensure safety are taken for a tournament of this nature.

"Most of the time the crime is confined to certain areas and all of the players and visitors coming for the matches should be comfortable.'' Jamaica, according to Prescott, has an outstanding record of providing the strictest of security for teams over the years and with the three teams staying together at Four Seasons Hotels, which is in the New Kingston area and in the midst of the corporate district, crime is often not a factor.

Prescott's remarks were endorsed by Jimmy Richards, a former Bermuda resident, who is based in Kingston.

Richards said: "One can't overstate the serious nature of the crime situation but the visiting countries shouldn't worry about it, the cricket authorities will provide the usual good security -- while they are playing, travelling and at their hotels.

"They are staying in a very good area. The team officials will just have to use logic in restricting players from venturing to other more questionable areas.'' Bermuda Cricket Board of Control officials were assured by the West Indies Cricket Board several weeks ago that security would be tight for the team when they arrive on October 25.

And this week national coach Allan Douglas said that news of crime would not affect the players in any way.

"That's not going to be an issue for us, once you are on the field of play nothing else is on your mind. The Islanders love cricket with a passion, I can't see any internal and unrelated problems affecting the sport,'' said Douglas.

"Sometimes you hear more about crime when you are outside of the country rather than when you are there,'' he added.

Bermuda play two matches in Kingston, both at Kensington Oval, against Guyana and Windward Island on November 1 and 2 while their only match outside of the capital is their opener against hosts Jamaica at Mandeville's Alpart ground on October 27.

They will drive 90 minutes to Mandeville on October 26, stay overnight and play the game the next day before returning to Kingston.