international anti-narcotics group, it was revealed yesterday.

National Drug Commission chief executive Derrick Binns will now serve on the 23-strong governing body of the Swiss-based International Council on Alcohol and Addictions. And the move means that Bermuda may influence the battle against addictions worldwide -- as well as gain extra pointers from experts in the field from five continents.

Dr. Binns said: "Bermuda's election to the board of directors of this major international body is a significant accomplishment for the Island.

"Bermuda will now be able to have a voice in the direction of the policies of the ICAA -- policies that could influence the work in addictions across the world.'' Dr. Binns was elected to the multi-national board after he and NDC research officer Julie Dunstan presented a paper at the group's recent annual conference in Vienna, Austria.

They spoke on using survey results in small communities to target drug prevention, based on a 1997 survey carried out in Bermuda schools.

NDC chairman Malcolm Butterfield congratulated Dr. Binns on his election to the 90-country ICCA.

He said: "This demonstrates that the direction and the work of the NDC is recognised as reaching a world-class quality in the eyes of its peers.'' And Mr. Butterfield added: "Credit must be given to the past and present board members for their insight and perseverance and to the competent staff who so effectively implement our national strategy.'' The 38-year-old ICAA is the oldest and largest non-governmental organisation in the anti-drugs field.

It brings together professionals from around the world who work on addiction problems involving drugs, alcohol, tobacco and gambling. Bermuda is a member through the NDC. The ICAA has consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council.

The ICAA also influences the work of the World Health Organisation, the International Labour Organisation and other regional and international governmental groups.

The Vienna conference attracted more than 600 delegates from across the world who work in treatment, prevention and research into addictions.

Canadian Dr. David Archibald -- whose work in the eighties was used to draw up drug-busting plans for Bermuda -- is an honorary vice-president of the ICAA.

DRUGS DGS