It is encouraging that Government intends to get tough with elements in our society, who continue to threaten the very roots of good, safe community life most Bermudians want to feel proud about.

However the real test of just how serious efforts will be depends on whether leaders of this country are ready to lead by example.

Over the years many words have been spoken and printed about widespread illegal drug activity on this island that has touched every section of community life, including sports.

So far the war against this plague seems to have been a mixture of good intentions offset by an attitude of don't rock the boat too much, because some parts of our community life might fall overboard, so to speak.

The big question is this: "Has the illegal drug problem become so deep rooted that our leaders have their hands tied in trying to eradicate or significantly reduce, what is surely eroding what values we have left."

On that basis, it is good to hear talk of taking steps to make the criminal tremble, instead of law abiding-citizens living in fear of being robbed or attacked by some addict who would stop at nothing to get another fix. While it is positive to implement rehabilitation programmes, it is just as important to find ways to cut down the deadly business that is creating new challenges every day. In other words it is better to stop the arsonist instead of simply expanding the Fire Service.

So what about leading by example? Our political leaders' continued refusal to be drug tested inevitably causes suspicion over whether we really mean business in the so-called war against this social menace.

All of our sporting clubs should come under closer scrutiny, even though I once heard someone say that such a major sweep could wipe out the soccer season, because although there are many clean upright players, illegal drug use has penetrated practically every club on the Island in some way.

Apart from this, many soccer fans have simply given up and walked away from a game they love to watch because they can no longer tolerate drifting smoke from marijuana, or behaviour from some spectators with little or no respect for others.

All of our sporting clubs must work closer with the authorities if any headway is to be made in cutting down illegal drug activity. We can talk year in and year out on this subject, but without a dramatic and bold approach to get at the guts of this problem, it will continue to tear us down.

Obviously the most effective weapon against this deadly business is simply not to be a customer. However, even without radio or TV commercials, that is one business that stays alive and we know why.

Every responsible citizen should throw their support behind efforts to make our Bermuda a safer place.

This means all of our leaders including the churches should hammer home daily the need for strong healthy parenting, at least to give future generations a better chance.

If children playing at nursery schools today are taught early the pitfalls of illegal drugs, it might go a long way in sharply reducing future customers.

That in fact might be our only hope for real progress. Illegal drugs will not sell if people don't want them. But for the moment, we are all faced with a major challenge of trying to rescue our community from drugs, crime and escalating violence.

Now is the time for our leaders to lead by example if they hope to turn the tide, even if it means mandatory drug testing on a scale never seen before. If that's the price we have to pay for a better Bermuda tomorrow, it will certainly be worth it.