ERROR RG P4 28.6.2000 A story in Monday's paper incorrectly identified the chairperson of PRIDE Bermuda. It was Wendy Lambert who presented a report to the board. She was also returned on Thursday night as chairperson and not elected for the first time.

Anti-substance abuse campaigners PRIDE have vowed to continue fighting, finding encouragement in news it has consolidated under a strategic plan.

At an annual general meeting last night, Wendy Lambert was elected, without opposition, as new chairperson of the PRIDE board of governors.

She replaces Belinda Woolridge who reported to the meeting that PRIDE had forged close links with the Council Partners Charitable Trust, a fund raising organ formed by several charities.

"With this accomplished, we are refocussing on PRIDE matters,'' Mrs.

Woolridge said. "We have completed a retreat with the staff as well as one with the board and our focus as demonstrated by the nominations committee's recommendation will be to increase and strengthen PRIDE's board as well as the standing committees.'' She added: "This will support our staff and enhance the growth of the programme.'' Mrs. Woolridge explained PRIDE would continue in their partnership and coalition building and was currently involved with several like-minded organisations including; Centre on Philanthropy, Bermuda Family Council, PARENTS, Bermuda Prevention Network and the Inter-Agency Committee.

During 1999, PRIDE Bermuda received the award of excellence from the group's international headquarters and had two successful Red Ribbon Campaigns.

Mrs. Woolridge added: "A special highlight for me was to have included, with our 14th annual conference, a men's only forum. This was organised by male volunteers, assisted by our business advisor, Mike Smellie.

"There were 75 males, both young and old in attendance. This committee, chaired by Tyrone Smith, will continue with initiatives raised at the forum.'' Executive director Judith Burgess reported that, following from the strategic plan of the late 1990s, PRIDE had completed nine of 11 objectives governing their programmes.

Office policies and procedures were currently being finalised and there had been a public relations drive.

A major PRIDE objective of having a chapter in every public and private school in the Island is still not complete.

After moving into new offices at The Stables on Reid Street, PRIDE had seen a shortfall of revenue of about $45,000 last year, a figure expected to increase this year. It takes about a half million dollars to operate.

But executives were confident the money spent made their organisation better at preventing drug use.

Ms Burgess said: "I'll never be satisfied until we see a marked difference in our community.

"We are working with a number of agencies, and one of the things we are doing is making sure there is no duplication and are making sure our clients are getting to all the programmes that are part of our mission.'' Ms Burgess also announced the appointment of a new youth coordinator, Lisa Darrell Augustus, who replaces Danielle Riviere, who is returning to university.