strengthen the family unit and the community.

"As a charitable institution I heartily congratulate you,'' Puisne Judge Norma Wade-Miller told Club members. "You have publicly demonstrated your commitment to the family. The family is the most important unit in the community.'' Mrs. Justice Wade-Miller made her comments in a speech to the Club during their tenth anniversary banquet and dance at the Elbow Beach Hotel in July.

"The family should be a unit based on deep care and concern for each other and a system of the values that, among other things, emphasises right from wrong and leads to the maintenance of good order,'' she said.

"Drugs, poor education, crime, unemployment (and) teenage pregnancies are but a few of the complex problems that are devastating communities.

"If we can find effective solutions that impact the child, we will be able to offer steps out of this destructive cycle.'' Mrs. Justice Wade-Miller singled out the organisation's assistance with the Patient Resource Institute for Drug Education (PRIDE).

She noted: "Children must be told that it (the illegal use of drugs) is wrong, not only because it is against the law but that it destroys the health and life of individuals, the family and entire communities.

"The work of your organisation in steering youngsters away from drugs is commendable and I hope you will be able to do this.

"You, through your work with these individuals, gain first hand knowledge of some of the consequences of family breakdown and the sad lives of those who misuse drugs.'' Mrs. Justice Wade-Miller also praised the Lions Youth Outreach Programme which "challenges young people to learn and to achieve''.

She noted that "the programme seeks to steer youngsters away from gang involvement, violence and drug abuse and to promote good deeds''.

Further praise from the Supreme Court judge went to the Leo Club programmes which have been established by the organisation.

"Here you have brought young people into the fold,'' she said. "They are encouraged to perform various community service activities.

"Thus the concept of service which should start in the family is extended to the community, in the process children will learn to be responsible, dependable and to acquire communication and leadership skills.''