weekend at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel.

Visitors from the United States and Canada are expected to fly in to join local members of AA and Al-Anon for Recovery on the Rock, The Bermuda Convention 2001 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

This year's theme is "Action is the Magic Word'', which emphasises that alcoholics cannot recover alone but thrive on the fellowship, unity and support of fellow alcoholics.

The weekend will feature four guest speakers from overseas -- Dennis H. from Pennsylvania, Dennis N. and Lebra N. from North Carolina and Lloyd G. from Canada.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership, they are self-supporting through their own contributions.

AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither does it endorse nor oppose any causes. AA's primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

There is at least one AA meeting every day of the week in Bermuda. For details about the meetings, AA in general or the convention, call AA's 24-hour answering service on 236-8293 or visit their website at www.alcoholicsanonymous.bm.

AA's strong tradition of personal anonymity ensures the confidentiality of all callers as well as anyone who wishes to attend the convention or any AA meetings.