in observance of World No Tobacco Day.

Although the day will be commemorated by the World Health Organisation on Sunday, Bermuda's Department of Health decided to officially observe the day today.

Smokers are being asked to quit for 24 hours and a number of events have been planned to promote this year's theme -- "Tobacco Free Workplace, Safer and Healthier.'' "Not only is smoking at the place of work injurious to the health of workers but it is a substantial economic burden to smokers, non-smokers, employers and society as a whole and represents large avoidable expenses,'' said a Health Department spokesperson.

"Consequently, smoking control at the place of work will not only improve the health of workers but also reduce smoke related costs.'' Smokers can take advantage of the quit-smoking mini-workshops which will be held on Tuesday, June 2 and Friday, June 5 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 p.m.

to 2 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce on Front Street.

In conjunction with the National Alcohol and Drug Agency (NADA) and Sedgwick James Bermuda Ltd., the Health Department has also arranged a "sponsor a smoker'' fund-raising drive. Proceeds will be donated to the Tuberculosis, Cancer and Health Association and Youth to Youth.

Smokers have been encouraged to get sponsors through friends and co-workers and voluntarily quit for 24 hours from 12.01 a.m. to midnight tonight.