early in the New Year, Health and Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness said on Friday.

Mr. Edness was responding to a question in the House of Assembly from Shadow Health and Social Services Minister Mr. Nelson Bascome, who said such a programme was promised since 1989.

"This is a very difficult and unique and specialised programme,'' Mr. Edness told the House."We had to train Bermudians before we could start. That is now completed. We hope this programme will start early in the New Year.'' A new substance abuse treatment programme was also planned.

Educational, religious, physical and mental health, recreational, and social assistance programmes were among those that already existed.