Criticism of Government's Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) programme for failing to deliver recovered addicts was slammed by Health Minister Nelson Bascome yesterday.

Backing up his faith in the programme, Mr. Bascome attended a special session of Drug Treatment Court yesterday, that saw nearly a dozen people receive special recognition for being clean for up to 90 days.

The event was the first of its kind.

Mr. Bascome was responding to an article in the Bermuda Sun yesterday, which quoted unnamed prison officials complaining that the programme had yet to yield results.

"I am very pleased with the event today," Mr. Bascome said. "They complain that ATI isn't working, but this is one part of the programme that people can really see for themselves that it is. There were several cases here today where guys have complied to the fullest. One has been reunited with his family, he is working - yes they still have to come back and check in with counsellors in the programme, but I find that this is moving along very positively."

The Drug Treatment Court is an alternative to prison for those who have committed criminal offences under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

However, it does not allow anyone into the programme who has committed a serious sexual assault or serious assault offences.

Currently there are about 20 people involved in the programme.

Once enrolled into the programme the person is monitored closely for a period of two years.

Mr. Bascome added: "Yes, it's in the fledgling stages, it's legislation that we knew would be pioneering, but I think that Bermuda has a lot to learn about it. This is something that the community needs to look at and respond to."

The special session of yesterday's session was presided over by Acting Senior Magistrate Carlisle Greaves.

And Court Number One saw several local dignitaries, family and friends of the recipients cram into the room to witness the ceremony.

According to Probation Services and Bermuda Assessment Referral Centre counsellors, the next step for those enrolled is reaching 120 days sober and then graduation from the programme.

Mr. Greaves said he was hopeful that the ten men and one woman would go on to be completely substance abuse free.

He added that no one's life should be considered wasted and he said they should be proud of making it this far.

"This is a rigorous programme," he said. "But this is true testimony that you should never give up on a man."

Later in the session Mr. Greaves showed his determination to help one addict kick the habit when she opted to not continue with the programme.

Instead, he remanded her in custody and told her to rethink her decision.

"Once you have consented to this programme, you leave me with a lot of power over you," Mr. Greaves said. "I think you have taken the easy way out. The path you want take is certain to destroy you. Our job is to try all we can to divert you from this destructive path. I am going to remand you in custody for another week - I believe there is still hope for you."