Monica's Mission neighbourhood, the area continues to be used as a drugs supermarket, claimed MP Ottiwell Simmons.

Despite the candid admission, the man who helped to start the initiative insists there is still hope.

And the St. Monica's' community is turning to God's own warriors to boost the anti-drugs effort.

"There's been very little progress in my opinion because a lot of resources have been put into it and all our efforts to talk to the young men have not so far worked,'' said Mr. Simmons, Pembroke East MP.

The neighbourhood, also known as 42nd Street, has gained notoriety over the years as being a haven for drug pushers.

"So far we have not achieved our ends -- to rid this community of drug trading,'' Mr. Simmons said. "We'd like to send a constant message that there should not be any selling of drugs around the St. Monica's area and there should be no purchasing by members of the public.'' Undeterred, Mr. Simmons and members of the Community Action Group formed in 1999 by a "rather broad group of very ordinary people,'' have called a meeting for this evening.

Last year it was reported that the group was working hand in hand with Government agencies.

Cosmetic improvements to the area were made last fall by the Department of Works and Engineering which re-surfaced roads and pavements, restored fences and repaired broken street lights. It was felt then that taking care of the physical infrastructure would help restore pride to the area.

The action group teamed up with professionals from the National Training Board and Social Services to provide social and training needs of the young men dealing drugs or at risk of falling into a life of crime.

Mr. Simmons told The Royal Gazette that Government was still solidly behind the effort which was considered a pilot project for the rest of the Island.

"The Premier herself has written a letter congratulating the Community Action Group and given us full support,'' he said. "She has visited the area, as have other Senators and Ministers.'' Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott said that Government was playing a "supporting role'' which he believed had yielded some results in the sense that the residents were beginning to police the community.

"It's not working like clockwork but the seeds have been sown,'' he said.

But funds for the purchase of vacant lots of land in the area have not yet materialised -- Mr. Scott said it will happen soon.

"That open space will work miracles for the youngsters in that area,'' he said. "I can't stress too much -- it will be money well spent.'' "We are not without hope,'' continued Mr. Simmons.

Drugs' clean-up a flop, says MP "We don't feel discouraged in the least. We are upbeat because we know what we are doing is right for the area and it's right for our country as whole.'' The strategy employed so far consists of engaging the young men seen dealing in the area in conversation and trying to lead them to legal alternatives.

What makes it especially difficult is that new faces show up constantly and many of the dealers come from other parts of the Island.

Calling in the Police is considered a last resort and one that hasn't been taken yet.

"We think we have a social responsibility,'' said Mr. Simmons. "We want the young men selling drugs, selling their skills.'' The approach has been met with "blank'' stares for the most part, he said.

Mr. Simmons said the action group was hoping the area churches would join them in the effort.

"The fact that people don't go to church doesn't mean they are not convertible. Christ didn't come to preach to the converted, but the sinners,'' he said when asked how he expected the religious community to make a difference with people bent on a life of crime.

And what was needed, he said, was a transformation in the lives of the individuals selling drugs. An "organised church leadership'' could bring a "new dimension'' to the effort, he added.

"We're going with every bit of vigour, energy and enthusiasm we can muster up. We are going to win the war -- we are not going to let the bad elements of the community be the victors in the drug war.'' Trying their best: Pembroke East MP Ottiwell Simmons pictured at the launched of the regeneration project, which he admitted had not been as successful as he had hoped.