Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson promised closer future cooperation with Bermuda -- if the Island desired it.

Speaking last night, Mr. Patterson said the door was open for collaboration between the two countries on a variety of issues.

Health, education, coping with natural disasters and information technology were all areas flagged by the leader as possible areas of partnership in the years to come.

"We are prepared to cooperate and collaborate with Bermuda so far as the Government of Bermuda makes a determination, promoting greater proximity in a variety of fields,'' he said.

"You are regarded as part of the Caribbean family, we are willing and ready to extend a friendly embrace.'' Mr. Patterson said links in tertiary education, between the Island and the University of the West Indies were already being explored.

And he indicated that a recent meeting in Trinidad and Tobago had promoted greater togetherness in the Caribbean region.

"The people of Jamaica and Bermuda have had a long association, and over many years the Peoples National Party of Jamaica and the PLP had a particularly close relationship,'' he said.

Asked about his thoughts on how the Progressive Labour Party had done in its first year, Mr. Patterson said his visit was too short to make any sort of judgment, adding that that was not the purpose of his visit.

"As far as a one-day expert is concerned, you have played the first over quite well,'' Mr. Patterson said. "You seem poised to make many more runs in an innings that hasn't yet ended.'' Premier Jennifer Smith, who accompanied the leader with PLP party chairman Victor Fishington and Jamaican US Consul Dr. Basil Bryan, thanked him for the support and encouragement during their tenure.