the increasing ravages of Bermuda's drug culture amongst young people, travelled to Atlanta, Georgia. There, under the sponsorship of the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, they attended the national PRIDE Conference and were so inspired by the aims and accomplishments of the group that they decided to form a similar organisation in Bermuda.

This weekend, one of America's most dynamic motivational speakers returns to Bermuda to address PRIDE (Parents Resource Institute for Drug Addiction) at its seventh conference at the Marriott's Castle Harbour Hotel.

Mr. Dennis Rahiim Watson, executive director of the National Black Youth Leadership Council and often described as "a cross between Jesse Jackson and Bill Cosby'' brings his very special talents to focus on the problems confronting parents in today's troubled society.

Mr. Watson, who earned the distinction of being thrown out of high school 37 times, went on to become a national figure. His work on behalf of young people, particularly young black males, has earned him more than 250 awards, including five White House citations. The mayors of cities such as New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles have even declared a `Dennis Rahiim Watson Day' in their cities.

His focus this time will be divided between adults and young people from the ages of 15 and up, when he speaks on Leadership and Empowerment, 100 Challenges Facing Adults in the '90s and You Can be Anything You Want To Be.

Bermuda is one of just 80 countries that has embraced the philosophy of PRIDE -- a philosophy which, despite the breakdown of families and a preponderance of single-parent families, emphasises that the universal instinct of parents to protect their young remains the best bulwark against drug involvement. To that end, PRIDE encourages all parents who have experienced problems to unite their efforts in the company of other parents.

By drawing on the pluralism of Bermudian family life, PRIDE believes that clusters or networks of parents who communicate with each other are best able to re-define and re-establish traditional community values and standards which, in many ways, seem to have been lost in recent years.

Mrs. Wendy Lambert, chairperson of PRIDE and one of the founding committee members, expresses the hope that the general public will make an effort to support the conference. She says that this year's message will focus on the positive message of "Yes, you can do it'', rather than concentrating on the negativity of drug-related issues.

"We have to emphasise that parental commitment is an ongoing thing -- not a flash in the pan. We have to let our children know that we are there for them.

We must also remember that children see us as role-models, so our own behaviour is an important issue. Alcohol is a drug and if our children see us drinking, what sort of message are we sending them?'' Local speakers will also address the conference. Mrs. Gryneth Robinson from Addiction Services will bring parents up to date on the current state of Bermuda's substance abuse scene and Mr. Gordon Johnson, executive director of the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse will give a presentation to young adults on relationships.

While this is going on, there will be a panel presentation for adults, comprising Ms. Deborah Carr, Dr. Melville and Insp. Gertrude Barker, from the juveniles department of the Bermuda Police. They will discuss `Are We Messing Up Our Kids?' Mr. Johnson, who took up his position last November, sees PRIDE as an excellent vehicle for linking parents and youth.

"One of things the I hope to accomplish at this conference is to give the youth of this Island an opportunity to talk about the things that really concern them in dealing with relationships.'' Pointing out that young people have to start dealing with all kinds of personal relationships at the very time when they are beginning to turn away from their parents, Mr. Johnson says it is important to empower children to approach relationships in a constructive way. "Relationships cover such a wide field. There are issues of self-identity, the emotional upheaval of puberty and sexuality, separation or loss of a loved one, and how do we really deal, on an everyday basis with relationships that change and evolve, as a child passes into adulthood?'' he says.

Mr. Johnson feels that it is important to create an atmosphere where the lines of communication are left open, to encourage young people to feel comfortable about discussing problems: the alternative is all too often a feeling of alienation and bewilderment that can quickly draw the teenager to the apparent comfort of alcohol and other mind-altering drugs.

"One of the things that impresses me is Wendy Lambert's ability to cut through to the essential issues facing the community. She is aware of how easily political agendas get tossed in -- however hard we try to prevent that from happening. I am very keen to see how PRIDE may evolve and hopefully, take on an even more active role in the future.'' Public relations officer, Mrs. Maxine Burns says she hopes that as many people as possible will attend the PRIDE conference. "The whole community has to get involved. Whether you have children or not, everyone has a stake in fighting substance abuse. And we need people who are offering alternative lifestyles.

We have to show our young people how to lead fulfilling lives, so that they are not vulnerable to the instant gratification offered by substance abuse. We need everyone's help, not just parents, in getting this message across.'' The Seventh Annual Conference of PRIDE takes place at Marriott's Castle Harbour Hotel on Friday, March 26 at 7 p.m.

Mr. Alastair MacDonald, Chairman of the National Drug Strategy Steering Committee will officially open the Conference, followed by guest speaker, Mr.

Dennis Rahiim Watson.

On Saturday, March 27, the day-long Conference gets underway again at 9 a.m., with Premier, the Hon. Sir John Swan welcoming delegates.

Admission is $30, which includes all sessions, continental breakfast and a hot and cold buffet lunch. For those who attend the Friday evening session only, the charge is $10.

Members of the public wishing to register are urged to contact the NADA Office, 2nd Floor of Global House, Church Street, Hamilton (tel. 295-3381) as soon as possible.

MESSAGE OF PRIDE -- Well known motivational speaker from the US, Mr. Dennis Rahiim Watson, will be the guest speaker at this weekend's Seventh Annual PRIDE Conference at Marriott's Castle Harbour Hotel.