"Our mission is to help reduce the alcohol and drug abuse in Bermuda by encouraging local educational, civic, business, political and religious institutions and organisations to establish drug education and prevention policies, by coordinating and supporting public and private programmes aimed at preventing substance abuse and treating and rehabilitating substance abusers, and by serving as an information resource for the community.'' This is the National Drug Commission's goal and basis for the community day celebration and drug awareness day, which takes place this Saturday, October 21 at the National Stadium from ten a.m to four p.m. The NDC's community day seeks consensus for a new national accord in Bermuda's war on drugs. The people of Bermuda will be provided with the opportunity to gather information and to learn more about those who continue to make an effort to combat substance abuse successfully in our communities, according to coordinator of The Moment, which is sponsored by the NDC, Mrs. June Augustus. Testimonies of persons who are battling alcohol and drugs will be delivered and dynamic speakers will motivate all to action. The day will begin with marchers led by the Salvation Army and an opening prayer by the Bishop of Bermuda, the Rt.

Rev. William Down. Following will be a relay torch run as well as opening remarks by the Premier, the Hon. Dr. David Saul and the Minister of Education and Human Affairs, the Hon. Jerome Dill. Composer Mr. John Duncan will sing the Moment song. And a host of activities for all ages will be available throughout the day. A suggestion box on ways to combat substance abuse will be strategically located at the stadium so everyone can voice their opinion, said Mrs. Augustus. Several agencies and companies will set up stalls and booths including PRIDE, Four Star Pizza, East End Primary PTA, the Wok, PAC, the Police Service, the Council Partners, Dolly Pitcher and the Lion's Club. As well, there will be a face painting site set up by Ms Pamela Swainson, a children's corner, and a tent for senior citizens manned by Bank of Bermuda personnel. President of the Bermuda Walking Club Mr. Jim Collins and vice-president Mr. Charles Dauphin have also organised the community day walking route, which starts at Global House on Church Street and ends at the National Stadium. As well, helping services and educational material will be distributed in two or three-hour seminars conducted by Ms Sonia Paynter, Ms Arleen Swan and Ms Stephanie Wilkinson. Speeches, songs, special announcements, community awards and testimonials will be doled out throughout the day. There will be performances by dance, music and drama groups like the Suzette Harvey dancers, the Warwick Academy School band and a live show with the "Now'' Youth Group. As well, there will be a book signing and sales promotion of "Like It Is'' by Dennis Steede. The Council Partners as well as the NDC will have the opportunity to speak as will the Reverend Trevor Woolridge in his keynote address. The NDC encourages people to participate in this special community awareness day for the following reasons:

6 Drug awareness day to educate public Bermuda residents will learn about substance abuse, treatment and prevention agencies at the same place.

People will learn about the NDC's plans to address drug abuse and will be able to commit to a personal plan of action.

The activity for the day is diversified. It is also entertaining, informative and sincere. There is something for everyone to enjoy, including senior citizens and children.

The day is the culmination of the efforts of several organisations and a large cross-section of the community. And the level of input is above and beyond any singular activity designed to either create awareness or prevention.

Any effort to reduce and prevent substance abuse must involve the whole community.

And when Bermudians say collectively, "We've had enough. We're going to beat this problem,'' then and only then will the problem be brought under control.

"Drug awareness day is not just a feel good day,'' said NDC chief executive officer Mrs. Eugenie Simmons.

"It's to show the public what is going on in the community with relation to drugs and drug abuse. Various representative agencies will be there to educate and motivate.

"And we'll be getting our message out through various mediums,'' she said.

CHILDREN OF THE MOMENT -- A balloon-waiving young person with his friends at St. George's Square during the last "Moment of Consciousness'', which took place on October 25, 1991. This year's community drug awareness day seeks consensus for a new accord in Bermuda's war on drugs.

NATIONAL DRUG COMMISSION CEO -- NDC Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Eugenie Simmons.