The importance of creating conditions that help people to limit substance abuse was highlighted by the Minister of National Security at a seminar for community leaders.

Michael Weeks also said that the island’s youth deserved to be raised in an environment that is supportive and provides positive opportunities, skills and recognition.

He spoke at a seminar on substance abuse prevention at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute on Thursday.

The event was hosted by the Department for National Drug Control and featured a keynote presentation by Carlton Hall, of the United States-based Carlton Hall Consulting, a leader in substance abuse prevention and training.

It was held under the theme “Expert Strategies for Substance Misuse Prevention”.

Mr Weeks said the seminar was geared at providing community leaders and interested groups with the necessary tools to foster effective coalitions.

It also gave them an opportunity to engage “hard-to-reach” stakeholders in substance misuse prevention efforts, he added.

The minister said the participants had an opportunity to explore strategies for building trust, enhancing transparency and ensuring that decision-making processes reflect the uniqueness of Bermuda.

Mr Weeks added: “As concerns regarding substance abuse increase in our community, it is important to recognise the need for prevention.

“Substance abuse prevention is a proactive process that empowers individuals and systems to meet the challenges of life events and transitions.”

In tackling substance abuse, he said the aim should be to attain the healthiest of lifestyles.

Mr Weeks said that a climate should be fostered where the goal is responsible alcohol use to be acceptable only for those of legal age and only when the risk of adverse consequences is minimal.

He added that the aim should also be to ensure that prescription and over-the-counter drugs are used only for the purposes for which they were intended.

Mr Weeks added: “Our youth deserve to grow up in an environment that is supportive and provides positive opportunities, skills and recognition.

“These environmental areas help to reduce the likelihood that they will use drugs and alcohol.

“Current programmes at the school level are beneficial to our students but definitely require expansion to reach all students.

“The greater community must also get involved and remain involved at the grassroots level in order to ensure the safeguarding of our community and its youth.”

He said the prevention unit of the DNDC welcomes the opportunity to work with organisations that are interested or involved in drug prevention efforts, and which are available to discuss proposals and initiatives with stakeholders.

Mr Weeks added: “Drug prevention efforts impact the whole community and present the opportunity for partnerships and collaboration at the grassroots level, as well as with public and private agencies.”