Drug addicts and alcoholics will receive “efficient and cost-effective” care over the coming 12 months, the Bermuda Government promised in its Throne Speech yesterday.

However, the pledge was met with a mixed response from the heads of several Bermudian charities dealing with social problems on the Island.

“The continuum of care for those affected by drug addiction and alcohol abuse must be preserved and, where possible, strengthened,” said Governor George Fergusson as he read the speech.

He acknowledged that charitable donations from the public had dipped in recent years due to Bermuda’s uncertain financial climate, but added that the Department for National Drug Control (DNDC) would work with organisations “like Focus” to determine a model for how best to help those in need.

Sandy Butterfield, the founder of Hamilton-based addiction charity Focus, called the message “encouraging”, adding: “I’m excited that we had an honourable mention.”

Mrs Butterfield told The Royal Gazette this month that Focus was facing closure due to a lack of funding.

Founded by Mrs Butterfield and fellow addiction counsellor Jerry Griffiths in 1993, Focus offers addicts a safe haven seven days a week and provides them with everything from nourishment to support groups and job opportunities.

But the charity needs $450,000 a year to operate: a target it has struggled to meet in recent years due to cuts in government funding and the decrease in public donations.

“If my clients read this, I think it will instil some hope in them that they won’t be kicked out onto the road,” Mrs Butterfield said.

“It shows that the Government values the work that Focus does. I really believe they want to help us and that they know in their hearts we make a difference.”

Gita Blakeney-Saltus, the executive director of Smith’s-based addiction charity Pathways Bermuda, was also heartened by the announcement.

“It’s very timely and very accurate,” she said after the opening of Parliament. “We’re encouraged by the position that the DNDC has taken — assisting those in the field who are trying to help people and families who have been traumatised by addiction.”

However, Martha Dismont of community charity Family Centre was less impressed.

“Determining the model is what the DNDC has been doing since its inception,” she said.

“For me, that was nothing surprising. I didn’t hear anything new there.”