Every member of the Bermuda national soccer squad travelling to Jamaica this week -- including the six team officials -- have been drug tested.

And a second random test has also been carried out, again with negative results, as Bermuda Football Association strives to show its commitment to a drug free sport as initiated by the Department of Youth Development, Sport and Recreation.

Ironically, drugs in sport became a huge issue the last time a national soccer team travelled to Jamaica, when seven members of the Under-23 team were charged with possession of marijuana following the flight back to Miami after the team had succeeded in qualifying for the Pan American Games.

"Everyone who trained was tested and when the squad was picked they did a random test and everybody was negative,'' said tour manager Aldwin Savery who was also tested along with coaches Clyde Best, Gary Darrell, physio Curtis Place, equipment manager Vance Brown and head of the delegation David Sabir.

"We are demonstrating that we want to be partners with Government and other people who want to see drug free sports,'' said Savery. "We're not just talking but we are doing what we say.'' Savery said national coach Clyde Best had insisted that players in the Bermuda squad conducted themselves in the proper manner both on and off the field.

"He has talked a lot about being ambassadors for Bermuda and the effects of illicit drugs,'' said Savery. The chairman of the coaching committee said it was the BFA's intention to work with and encourage players who tested positive for drugs rather than simply disregard them.

"It is our aim to offer assistance as it is needed,'' said Savery. "I was also screened as well as the coaches.'' There is also the possibility of CONCACAF carrying out random tests on players during the Shell/Umbro Cup, in which Bermuda meet Puerto Rico in the first match in Kingston on Friday night.

At a time when the BFA is seeking to attract sponsors to the sport, the association can ill afford a repeat of what went on in 1994, which resulted in some sponsors distancing themselves from soccer.

"The BFA is committed to the national drug free policy,'' BFA president Neville Tyrrell assured prospective sponsors during a reception at Government House a week ago when a six-year plan was launched by the association.

Added Savery, who will be the tour manager on the Jamaica trip: "We definitely don't want to see a repeat of that (drug arrests in 1994) and we've taken a number of steps to assure it doesn't happen.

"We are trying to motivate the players to be national players. Best feels being picked for the national team is a privilege and being picked for your country requires that you behave in a certain way.'' The Bermuda squad, 18 players and six officials, depart Bermuda tomorrow.

After Friday's match against Puerto Rico, they meet hosts Jamaica in their final group qualifying match on Sunday after which the top team will advance to the next round.