part of a community-wide scheme to reduce drug abuse.

And the plan is to introduce "Drugs Don't Work Here'' programmes in all places of employment while similar programmes combat drug abuse in sports clubs, churches and schools.

Outgoing National Drug Commission chairman Mansfield (Jim) Brock told The Royal Gazette yesterday: "`Drugs Don't Work Here' is part of a broader policy to try and get all factors of the community to develop policies against the abuse of alcohol and drugs.'' This had proven to be a successful approach to the drug problem countries around the world were experiencing, he said.

"The experiences of other countries shows that communities which develop standards of behaviour and policies and then hold community members to those policies appear to have a lesser problem with drug abuse than those who don't.'' The NDC intended to go to all employers, schools, Parent Teacher Associations, sports clubs and churches in its attempt to have anti-drug policies throughout the entire community.

The final effect was to make the community so against drugs that users would be unable to find a sanctuary where they could pursue their habit. "Once a community is mobilised and accepts the standards then it becomes difficult for people to find places to abuse drugs,'' said Mr. Brock. "That is the ambition and plan. What I am very happy about is that this has the support of the Union, the Bermuda Hotel Association, the Chamber of Commerce, Government and the Police.'' However, he added that this was not going to happen overnight.

"We need time to develop this through the community.''