conferences across the island this week.

The theme for the conference is "We Touch Lives'' and it is intended for adults, teens and parents. Children may attend but should be accompanied by a parent. Last night the first conference kicked off at Sandys Middle School and tonight at 5.30 p.m. it moves on to Mount Saint Agnes Academy.

The final event will take place tomorrow night at the Whitney Institute Middle School when Premier Jennifer Smith is expected to attend.

In addition, this morning PRIDE is running a Prevention 2001 Workshop at the Bermuda Insurance Institute.

Two overseas presenters have flown to Bermuda to participate in the workshops.

Both are specialists in alcohol, tobacco and drug prevention. Arthur Jones is the prevention branch chief of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. In his role he provides technical assistance to 39 programmes and their prevention professionals.

Mr. Jones also oversees the state's Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities funds. He was named Substance Abuse Professional of the Year for 1998 and 1999 Man of the Year by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in North Carolina.

Also speaking at the PRIDE workshops will be Bette Brelend, a training specialist from DREAM (Developing Resources for Education in America).

Ms Breland provides training and technical assistance in the areas of alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention, conflict resolution, violence prevention, character education and other related educational topics.

The anniversary conferences will also include performances by the PRIDE youth programmes, activities for children and special panel discussions for teens.