the Bermuda Police, US and Bermuda Customs and Immigration, Prisons, Airlines, Fire Services and the National Drug Commission are joining forces to hold an Island-wide Drug Awareness Day.

On Saturday, February 5, under the motto of Living Clean Living Free, the public is being invited to take part in a five kilometre walkathon to the National Stadium, followed by an afternoon of free entertainment provided by Bermuda's top stars and emceed by `Bootsie' and Bruce Barritt. All of them will be donating their services. Reggae, soca, jazz and gospel, and celebrity speakers will be the order of the day, with full refreshment services and draw prizes.

"We want to show the public that we do care, that those of us who deal with the misery of the drug culture on a day to day basis, do have feelings for the people we have to deal with,'' says project chairman and spokesman, Sgt. John Dale.

It is this sense of caring -- and the knowledge that, all too often, the Police and Customs, in particular, are seen as "the bad boys'' -- which has led to the ambitious joint venture.

The idea for next month's event began almost by accident. Explains Sgt. Dale: "Last year, the Bermuda Police and US Customs presented a puppet show, with Dino the Dinosaur, throughout the Island's schools. This was originally the idea of Lorraine Kennedy, at US Customs and Immigration. It was directed at anti-drugs and was a resounding success.'' Officer in Charge of US Customs in Bermuda, Mr. Steve Vogelhampt, takes up the story. "Last year, Insp. Kennedy also organised a small, inter-service walkathon to highlight Bermuda's narcotics problems. It was when she was discussing plans with Sgt. Dale, that he came up with the concept of taking it Island-wide.'' "The idea started to mushroom after that,'' confirms Sgt. Dale. "We decided to call on other organisations to get involved with us, so the heads of various departments sent representatives along and we've been meeting every two weeks since September. From that very first meeting, people have been contributing ideas for what we hope will be a brilliant day for Bermuda's young people.

"The support we are receiving from department heads, government and the business community is tremendous,'' says Sgt. Dale, who emphasises that although the event is not a fund-raiser, any proceeds will go to drug-related charities.

"To that end, the Inter-services Awareness Day Committee has become a registered charity and we've opened accounts at the Bank of Bermuda and Butterfield. Advertising Associates has designed a tee-shirt with the Living Clean Living Free Logo. They are on sale throughout the Island and we want to sell as many as possible before the event!'' Various insurance companies are sponsoring the cost of the tee-shirts.

In addition, letters have been sent to as many churches, clubs, groups and associations as possible, urging them to participate in Drug Awareness Day and for each group to have a banner made up, proclaiming its support for Bermuda's war against drugs.

"We may have missed a few, so if your particular group hasn't received a letter, please don't be upset. This is an invitation, through The Royal Gazett to join in, to get involved. We need everyone's support, so that no one is left in any doubt that Bermuda is serious about trying to end the drug problem,'' says Sgt. Dale.

Representative from the Drug Commission have attended all the meetings, "to ensure we are going in the right direction. We all support each other,'' he says, adding that the National Drug Commission is funding the event to the tune of $5,500. "We have received enthusiastic support from the Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Jerome Dill and the shadow minister, Miss Renee Webb.'' So far as Sgt. Dale and Mr. Vogelhaupt are concerned, it makes sense for those who have to administer the law, to be seen to be leading the fight against the insidious hold that drugs have gained in the community.

"I think what makes this event unique is the fact that it is the agencies who normally enforce the narcotics laws who are demonstrating their interest in stopping Bermuda's drug traffic,'' says Mr. Vogelhaupt. Adds Sgt. Dale: "We feel it's not always appreciated that people who work in Customs or Narcotics are, in fact, working for the whole community. I would like to emphasise that all of us are merely doing the job we are required to do. We don't make the laws, we just enforce those laws that are legislated by elected members of parliament. I think what often happens is that some people just don't understand the job we are employed to do.'' It is Bermuda's young people whom the agencies are most anxious to reach, says Insp. Kennedy. "This is really about the Island's children. Maybe this will help, somewhere along the road, to stop this terrible toll.'' Mr. Vogelhaupt, who heads up a staff of 12 full-time US Customs officers, with another 12 employed at US Immigration, says it would not be "appropriate'' as an outside agency, to comment on the magnitude of Bermuda's drug problem.

"What I can say is that we are told by local law enforcement agencies, the Bermuda Police and Customs, that there is a problem of substantial magnitude.

I know that Bermuda has seen a big increase in the number of seizures.'' Sgt. Dale says his committee is gratified by the support already shown by the media. "Panatel has produced, at minimal cost, three commercials promoting Drug Awareness Day, there are radio ads, and The Royal Gazette is producing a special supplement later in the month, also at minimal cost. The Bank of Bermuda, through Louis Mowbray, is sponsoring newspaper advertising.'' Every tee-shirt sold will have a numbered ticket which makes the purchaser eligible for one of the many door prizes being provided by various businesses throughout Bermuda.

In addition, a huge refreshment tent has been donated and the Department of Youth and Sport is lending a mobile stage.

The inter-services committee has also organized a Poster Competition throughout the Island's schools. All the entries will be displayed at the National Stadium and prizes will be awarded.

This event will be a great opportunity, says Sgt. Dale, for the various services to be able to demonstrate, in this very practical way, their concern for the community they serve.

The special Royal Gazette supplement will be published on Thursday, February 3. Businesses wishing to sponsor the Drug Awareness Day supplement are asked to contact advertising co-ordinator, Ruth-Anne Outerbridge by Tuesday, January 25.

LIVING CLEAN LIVING FREE -- That is the motto for Bermuda's first Drug Awareness Day, organised by Bermuda's Inter-Services Community Awareness Day Committee for Saturday, February 5. Pictured at a committee meeting are (left to right):- US Customs Insp. Lorraine Kennedy, Bermuda Immigration officer, Mr. Allan Bean, committee chairman Sgt. John Dale, Mr. Richard Bishop of US Customs and committee secretary, Ms Tracy Sherriueff of Bermuda Customs.