Sport Minister Nelson Bascome.

But Mr. Bascome took issue with Council Partners executive director Gordon Johnson's recent statement that there was no equivalent of the Fair Havens female drug treatment programme for Bermuda's male population.

Despite underfunding, Mr. Bascome said the Salvation Army -- where he is programme director -- provided a structure for an adequate rehabilitation scheme geared toward male Bermudian drug abusers.

Although the Salvation Army previously treated only alcohol abusers, during the past year it has moved into full substance abuse treatment, he said.

The treatment began with a detoxification process at the Parson's Road facility.

The individual then had to undergo an assessment and orientation process as well as a recovery programme at Salvation Army's Harbour Light site on King Street.

The relapse prevention and temporary residential after-care portions of the programme attempted to find employment and housing for the individual in order to integrate him back into society, Mr. Bascome said.

The four-to-six-month programme although relatively new, has been successful.

"A few former clients, who are regular participants in society and drug free, are still affiliated with the programme,'' he said.

But considering the magnitude of the Island's drug problem, Mr. Bascome claimed that adequate Government funding had not been forthcoming.

"The Salvation Army gets a grant from NDC (National Drug Commission). The Government does give assistance in that way, but the funds provided for programmes are not up to par with having a complete treatment programme,'' said Mr. Bascome.

According to Mr. Bascome, the increase of people's involvement with drugs can be largely attributed to the highly addictive powers of cocaine.

He cautioned against the belief that drug abuse is limited to a particular age or racial category.

"In my adolescence, I can remember men abusing alcohol, congregating in areas and creating community problems.

"That was our starting point, and we've lost sight of that,'' said Mr.

Bascome. "Most individuals (in the rehabilitation programme) have come from alcohol-abused homes.'' As to the racial makeup of those involved in treatment, Mr. Bascome said: "The makeup of treatment in Bermuda is truly a reflection of population statistics,'' said Mr. Bascome. "Addiction shows no discrimination.''