US experts intend to bring tried-and-true anti-drug strategies to the Island this year, forming community coalitions throughout Bermuda.

The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) formally launched a partnership with PRIDE Bermuda yesterday that is intended to develop local coalitions.

Later this year, CADCA will bring its coalition-building training to Bermuda, providing information and strategies to tackle the Island's specific needs.

Major General Arthur Dean, CEO and chairman of CADCA, said that he hoped to bring together existing groups to focus their efforts, and give them support.

"The individual approach does not work," he said. "We think all the people in the community need to work at the same table.

"Our system is one that has proven successful in the past. We have implemented it around the world.

"We have seen the results you can achieve when you use evidence-based strategies."

By tackling the Island's drug problems, Maj. Gen. Dean said the coalitions would be attacking the root of many social problems.

"The genesis of many of the problems we face is the misuse of drugs, the misuse of alcohol, and now, the abuse and misuse of medication," he said. "The same problems you are facing, we too are facing in the United States.

"In Bermuda there may be some challenges that we have not seen, but none that we cannot overcome."

CADCA represents the interests of more than 5,000 community coalitions in the US, and has worked to bring their experience to numerous other countries.

During their two-day stay, Maj. Gen. Dean and CADCA's vice president of training and youth programmes Kareemah Abdullah, will meet with Government officials and community organisations and host several presentations.

Mrs. Abdullah said: "We are here to listen and learn, and also to share the experience we have from the years we have existed.

"We know there are heroes here in Bermuda, and we are here to help them and provide support."

She said that they had already spoken with Premier Ewart Brown and Social Rehabilitation Minister Neletha Butterfield with positive results.

"It is very important that we have the support of the Government, and to have them be our first greeters speaks to their commitment," she added.

Judith Burgess, executive director of PRIDE Bermuda, said: "There are so many people and groups doing good things out there, but we have to join forces.

"People are the best representatives of a community, and we all have a role to play if we want to make a difference."