More than 150 young people participated in a two-day conference sponsored by PRIDE as part of the war on drugs.

The Youth to Youth conference wrapped up yesterday after two intensive -- but fun -- days beginning at 8.45 a.m. and finishing at 10 p.m.

And according to programme director Patricia Pogson, the two highlights of the conference was a full drug awareness production by the participants and a visit from the new Premier Jennifer Smith.

"The tremendous success of the conference is a testimony to the new school system,'' said Ms Pogson. "Premier Jennifer Smith stopped in to provide words of encouragement -- she is continuing to show her support for PRIDE as she has always done.

"Just as the Ministry has gone through changes with the education system, PRIDE rides the tide with them -- and the community recognised we are trying to work along with a different Government,'' she said.

Throughout the conference, high school youth staff members were responsible for constructing workshops for their peers geared toward pulling in Youth to Youth strategies including drug education, personal growth, environmental change and drug-free fun.

Ms Pogson said motivational speaker Jason Walters addressed the young participants and "ignited the fire to do the right thing''.

Nishanthi Bailey, a 14-year-old Berkeley Institute student, said this was her first year as a member of the youth staff, although she has participated in Youth to Youth for the past three years.

"It's been a good experience for me and taught me a lot of responsibility...the show last night dealt with drug abuse and learning right from wrong,'' she said.

The youth production, entitled "Our War on Drugs'', was described by some as "the best thing since Bermuda fish dinner''.

The production was geared to help youth take responsibility for themselves and choose a drug-free lifestyle.

Ms Bailey and Ms Pogson said the show focused on the facts and health hazards associated with marijuana use since it is a "gateway'' drug that has a degree of social acceptability in Bermuda.

DRUGS DGS