eventually expand to workplaces across the Island.

Last night the Government announced that the "Drugs Don't Work Here'' (DDWH) programme, that exists in 13 hotels in Bermuda, was to extend into all workplaces.

Home Affairs Minister Maxwell Burgess confirmed that the scheme would soon be featuring in all Government departments -- covering several thousand employees.

DDWH, which was coordinated by the National Drugs Commission and Benedict Associates Ltd., aimed to rid hotel premises of alcohol and drug abuse, and to help staff whose abuse impacted on their work.

At a press conference to herald its success, Mr. Burgess said the Government's intention to implement its own DDWH policy was a direct result of the hotels' initiative.

"Nothing is more important than ridding the workplace of illegal drugs. By taking this step we have made a major contribution to Bermuda's well-being,'' said Mr. Burgess.

He said the details of the policy were currently being worked out but soon the strategy would be revealed in full. And he said the full cooperation of the unions was an inherent part of implementing the programme.

Mansfield Brock, chairman of the National Drugs Commission, paid tribute to all the people who had made the policy such a success.

He said the project, that started with just four hotels on board, extended to 13 and eventually achieved the goal of a drug-free workplace in the participating hotels.

"This is our first step at moving toward the goal of a drug-free workplace in every business throughout Bermuda,'' he said.

Bermuda Industrial Union president Derrick Burgess said the union would continue to work hard at keeping drugs out of the workplace. And John Harvey of the Bermuda Hotel Association said they would continue to work to encourage other hotels to adopt the policy.