A five-minute national stoppage designed to focus attention on Bermuda's drugs problem will act as a springboard to launch a series of initiatives to wage the war on drugs.

At 10.55 a.m. on October 20 the Moment of Consciousness will take place when everyone will be asked to stop what they are doing and reflect on the drugs problem on the Island.

Yesterday, Human Affairs Minister the Hon. Jerome Dill, said: "We need a major activity, like the Moment, to focus public attention on the drugs problem, to stimulate public awareness and to motivate the public into making a commitment to do something about the problem.

"Education, prevention and public awareness are critical elements in reducing the demand for drugs and we need public involvement to achieve this.'' Mr. Dill said the National Drugs Commission had developed a series of programmes to run after the Moment. The first is National Drugs Awareness Day on October 21 at the National Stadium.

A major objective of the day will be to recruit volunteers for groups such as Pride, the Council on Alcoholism and Fairhaven. The Day itself will feature speakers, performing arts and educational material.

Among the other schemes being drawn up by the NDC are Work Against Drugs, Churches Against Drugs, Parents Against Drugs and Sportsmen Against Drugs. The NDC will also sponsor a general public awareness campaign in order to keep the public focussed on Bermuda's drugs problem.

He said the first Moment of Consciousness, four years ago, spawned several community efforts to fight drugs, but Mr. Dill said the impetus started in 1991 needed to be revived.

"Some programmes were started, but there was no agency such as the NDC to continue the momentum and co-ordinate the efforts of volunteer community groups,'' he said.