public bodies to follow, a Minister said last night.

On July 1, the Public Transportation Board will become the first public organisation to introduce random drug testing among its 200 staff, following the example set by private companies such as Belco and Esso.

A person's name will be chosen by computer and if tested positive, he or she will be sent to a programme to wean them off drugs and help solve any underlying problems causing drug taking.

PTB Director, Mr. Herman Basden, whose name is also on the computer, said the idea was to help a person, as well as help protect the public.

"I have been reading about accidents in other countries caused by drugs and what other countries are doing about it, it is important that we take this position.

"If our people are tested it could help them, but it will also help to reassure the public that the buses are safe,'' added Mr. Basden.

Yesterday, opinion among bus drivers over the testing appeared to be split with one calling it a restriction on personal liberty and another saying it should be introduced throughout the Island.

One driver, who asked not to be named, said: "It is being done for the public, but I don't go along with it. I like to do what I want to do in my spare time, I don't like being restricted.'' Another said: "I'm in favour, I would like to see it introduced everywhere because there are so many dangers related to it.'' A driver said that the programme was too short and did not help, but another said random drug testing was "in the best interests of the public''.

At the beginning of the year Belco started a random drug testing scheme for its staff and Esso also put in place a similar system.

Drivers set for testing In the past the Government has voiced support for random testing for operators of all public vehicles and mandatory workplace drug testing was also once mooted.

However, so far the PTB is the only public body to introduce the policy, following union and staff consultation, but last night the Hon. Quinton Edness, the Minister for Health and Social Services, said other Government departments would be watching the PTB scheme.

"I think the people that work in the PTB system will eventually become very proud because they are making sure they are working in a drug-free environment and helping to protect the general public.'' He said he had always supported random testing in areas where there was a question of public security such as the police and the airport or in areas where people have the public's lives in their hands.

"I am sure the PTB scheme will set a precedent and I am sure other Government departments will be watching to see how it goes on. I am very interested and I will be watching the results.'' Last night, Mr. George Morton Jr. Chairman of the Bermuda Road Safety Council, also welcomed the PTB's stance. "It is not just about accidents to staff, they have many other lives in their hands as well.

"I would encourage random drug testing and I would challenge other companies to at least recommend similar action. It would help the community at large.'' Mr. Herman Basden