when the Island's first Alcohol Awareness Month is launched.

The Centre for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (CADA) prevention will unveil the programme in a bid to highlight the health risks and offer advice to sufferers and their families.

It will also target children in schools with the aim of getting the message across to those who are young enough to avoid addiction in later life.

Cathy Belvedere, associate director of CADA said: "The opportunity to promote an awareness on alcohol and its effects is one we did not want to miss.

"Part of the mission for CADA is to build a stronger, healthier Bermuda by providing access to resources, services that prevent alcohol, tobacco and other drug problems.

"When we saw this initiative on events calendars overseas, we considered whether it was a good fit for Bermuda and decided to launch it in what we had first anticipated would be a small way.'' But the charity's executive director Dominique Smith went on: "The concept has grown with support from the Premier, who will have the Minister of Education proclaim a declaration for our community.

"The support for this awareness campaign from the schools has been overwhelming, so it is fitting that the Minister of Education will read the declaration. Many of our partners in prevention have also joined with us in promoting this event.'' CADA seeks to prevent alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse by raising awareness through information dissemination.

New move to curb alcoholism It also provides technical assistance to community groups and influences social and environmental change in Bermuda.

The month-long campaign will be launched on Monday at the City Hall by Education Minister Milton Scott. There will be a performing arts presentation by school children from West Pembroke Primary. And, in addition, members of the PRIDE performance Team will be on hand to present a snapshot of their drug-free message.

Members of the public are being encouraged to gather at the front entrance of the City Hall to support the initiative.

Dr. Derrick Binns, chief executive officer of the National Drug Commission, said he was giving the campaign his full backing.

"We certainly support this initiative and congratulate CADA in launching it as their premier awareness campaign.

"When first approached by CADA with the idea, we encouraged them to pursue this -- it is an integral part of their mission of providing information dissemination and is supported by our prevention strategy.

"We congratulate them on their enthusiasm in establishing this event to bring attention to this topic.''