Island celebrities are to be 'arrested' and sentenced to jail time in a fundraiser which also hopes to raise awareness on the impact drug use has on the community.

A host of prominent residents including E. Michael Jones, Senator Michael Dunkley, Wayne Caines, Jonathan Brewin, George Scott, Phil Barnett, and Mayor Mariea Caisey have agreed to lend their efforts in support of PRIDE Bermuda.

Participants will be publicly arrested, transported to jail and tried in a mock courtroom on their knowledge of how drug use affects the community. Jail sentences will then be delivered based on their answers with the 'offenders' reliant on bail from family, friends and business associates to secure their release from prison.

PRIDE youth members will serve as defence and prosecution lawyers.

"Our goal in hosting this fun-filled afternoon for the local community is to build awareness of the impact, effects and devastating consequences of drug-use," said Judith Burgess, PRIDE's executive director.

"This is a light-hearted and informative way to raise funds for PRIDE, while also involving local celebrities and the community as a whole in the educational process. Lock-ins in other places have been tremendously successful in enabling adults and youths to learn and share solutions that promote drug prevention. We encourage members of the public to come out and participate in this event, either by observing the celebrities in 'jail' or by watching their public 'trial'.

"It promises to be an interesting and surprising event."

The PRIDE 'Celebrity Lock-In' takes place Friday, March 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at No. Six Shed on Front Street.

For more information or to learn how to support PRIDE Bermuda, telephone 295-9970 or e-mail info@pride.prevention.bm