been ignored -- at least so far.

The offer to launch a disaster relief programme was made around a month ago.

But Acting Cabinet Secretary Mr. Leo Mills said yesterday the Bahamian authorities had still not responded.

He added the Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan had twice telephoned the country.

In one conversation, prime minister Mr. Hubert Ingraham told him the hurricane damage was still being assessed.

"Unhappily we are still awaiting a reply to the offer. We are remaining on standby,'' he said.

Mr. Mills said Government wanted a detailed list of required supplies, before mounting a relief effort.

"Once we know exactly what is needed, then we will be able to help.'' Mr. Mills said he had not the "slightest idea'' why the offer had still not been taken up.

But it was possible Mr. Ingraham had been too preoccupied with Andrew's devastation.

"It hit him shortly after he took office, and came at a most unwelcome time,'' said Mr. Mills.

"I expect most of his time has been taken up by the aftermath, and he hasn't got round to our offer.'' Meanwhile, the Bermuda Red Cross yesterday announced its fund-raising campaign for Andrew's victims had passed the $3,500 mark.

Said local director Mr. Frank Gamble: "Obviously we would have liked to have raised more.

"But we are still continuing the campaign, and hope to raise a lot more.'' Mr. Gamble said the money had come from subscriptions and donations.

"It will go towards rehabilitating the people affected by Andrew,'' he explained.

Mr. Gamble believed local fund-raising for the Bahamas may have suffered because of the devastation wreaked in the United States.

Media attention had switched to the US -- perhaps diverting attention.

Those wishing to help hurricane victims can make donations to the Red Cross's disaster relief fund at local banks.

Bermuda has previously helped hurricane-ravaged Caribbean islands, giving more than $200,000 in aid to Montserrat following Hurricane Hugo's 1989 onslaught.

Soldiers from Bermuda Regiment have also helped out in past programmes.