Politicians have been asked to join a series of "alliances'' being formed around the Island to fight drugs.

National Drug Commission chairman Mr. Mansfield (Jim) Brock has written to Bermuda politicians this month, saying an alliance of politicians which crossed party lines "would have an enormous impact in our attempt to wage a war on drugs in Bermuda.

"It would send a message to the entire community that our elected and appointed representatives place such a high priority on containing the Island's drug problem that they are prepared to set aside partisan political differences and to work together for the good of the community,'' Mr. Brock said in the letter.

The NDC chairman noted that Bermuda drug consultant Dr. David Archibald felt Bermuda's drug problem would not be contained "unless the entire community became actively involved in the fight.'' Mr. Brock said the NDC was trying to get all Bermudians involved.

As well as all three political parties, it had written to churches, PTAs, unions, employer organisations, and sports clubs.

And alliances were forming, Mr. Brock said.

"For example, representatives from the Employers' Council, the Hotel Employers of Bermuda, and some of the unions have agreed to form an alliance which they will probably call `Work Against Drugs','' Mr. Brock said.

"The main objective of this new organisation will be to encourage employers and employees ... to work together ... to develop policies aimed at eliminating substance abuse from the workplace,'' he said.

The NDC hoped to encourage other alliances, like Sports Against Drugs, Parents Against Drugs, and Churches Against Drugs.

The role of the groups would be partly symbolic. But they would also ensure wide participation in development of plans in the war against drugs, Mr. Brock said.