The first awards ceremony for unsung heroes in the Bermuda community was an outstanding success, according to attendees.

On Saturday evening, the campaign group Bermudians Against Narcotics (BAN) held its first Community Service Awards Dinner at St. Paul’s Christian Education Centre, Paget for youth and community activists.

Judith Burgess of Parent Resource Institute for Drug Education (PRIDE), Sandra Butterfield of Focus counselling service, youth workers Eugene Vickers and Gerald Fubler and Robert Simmons, manager of the Salvation Army shelter for the homeless all received awards for their tireless work.

BAN was founded 18 months ago to garner support for the war against drugs in Bermuda and founding member Takbir Sharieff said he was extremely pleased with the turnout and reception of their first awards ceremony.

Mr. Sharieff added: “We had about 150 to 175 people attending so there was a lot of spirit and it was well received.

“Hopefully it will be an annual event.”

The guest speaker Imam Yahya Abdullah, who is also an honorary member of BAN for his help in founding the organisation, received particular praise from Mr. Sharieff and award recipients.

Imam Abdullah, who started the African Men Against Narcotics (AMEN) organisation in the US, related Bermuda to a ship with two levels: those on the bottom level were drilling holes into the boat. If they were ignored then the entire boat will sink.

His message was that Bermuda needed to start from the bottom and alleviate the drug problem if she wanted to continue sailing.

Yesterday he added: “It was a wonderful occasion and I was very impressed by the unsung heroes who have worked for years with little support.

“They are Bermuda’s true Lighthouses because like Gibb’s Hill lighthouse which helps wayward ships find their safe way to the island, they help people who are in the dark and show them the way.”

Mrs. Burgess, who received an award for her work with PRIDE, said: “I was humbled by the award and I was pleased of the response of Public Service because I think there were five or six different members of the government there.

“It was good, a thanks coming from the community and to recognise people who work so hard.” Ms Butterfield received an award for her work with Focus counselling services, and said everything about the night was excellent.

She added: “BAN worked really hard and they made an impression on everyone.

“I think the awards will make people aware, but there are my colleagues next to me who deserve it too.”

Other guests at the event included Dale Butler, Minister for Social Rehabilitation, Finance Minister Paula Cox, United Bermuda Party (UBP) Leader Wayne Furbert and Deputy UBP leader Michael Dunkley.

Mr. Sharrieff was thrilled with the turnout of Government officials adding: “It was great having opposite sides of the house and yet there was a consensus in that we need to do something about the drug problem.”