Alcohol counselling is being offered to staff at Centre Reinsurance after the firm's Canadian vice-president punched a Police officer who accused her of drink-driving.

Bosses at Centre Re are to make an official statement about Christiane Allaire's future later today, following calls for her to resign because of the incident.

And The Royal Gazette has learned the company has already started a series of initiatives to steer worried employees away from alcohol abuse.

One of the main plans is to encourage staff with potential drink problems to seek help through the Employee Assistance Programme.

It is understood staff have always had access to the therapy through the EAP but are now being reminded of the opportunity to get help.

Ms Allaire, 37, was not charged with impaired driving and failed to give an alco-analyser test at Hamilton Police Station.

But she pleaded guilty to obstructing Police, destroying a Police uniform, using offensive words and refusing to take a breath test during her court case last week.

She was fined $950 and banned from driving for a year after being pulled over on Middle Road, Devonshire, and accusing officers of targeting her because she was a Canadian millionaire.

Ms Allaire did not answer calls to her Devonshire home last night.

A company spokeswoman said an official statement would be made today.

She added: "As far as alcohol counselling goes, there is nothing I can say about that at this point.'' It is understood staff have been consulted in a series of crisis meetings this week -- and are encouraged to seek the therapy if they want it.

Company insiders also said there was mounting pressure on Ms Allaire to resign her position amid the intense scrutiny following her court case.

Ms Allaire's assistant at Centre Re, Valerie Madeiros, sprang to her defence on Tuesday, faxing a letter in support of her to The Royal Gazette .

She wrote: "I feel strongly compelled to voice my disgust at the unwarranted attacks that have been levelled against her by people she has never met and cannot possibly know her well enough to form a reasonable opinion.

"Is there anyone on this Island who has never made a mistake? Of course not -- and would you wish to be hounded as Christiane has been? Of course not.

"Those people who have taken it upon themselves to be judges and executioners will never in their lifetime measure up to Christiane, who is the most caring, sensitive and brilliant human being I have been fortunate enough to work with.'' DRUGS DGS