Bermuda.

The news, which meets one of the National Drug Commission's key goals, came yesterday from Health Minister Clarence Terceira.

"This goal has been achieved with the formation of the Bermuda Addictions Certification Board which has been accepted as a full member of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium,'' he told The Royal Gazette . "This consortium is the leader in the field of addiction certification.'' The goal was met through the work of a delegation including NDC treatment coordinator Lynda Price, Salvation Army social services coordinator Calvin Ming Jr. and Fair Havens Christian Care Association executive director Rosemary McNaughton who went to San Diego, California and presented the Island's application for membership.

Dr. Terceira said: "The local board can now offer, after due examination for those who qualify, three specialist professional designations: Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor; Certified Clinical Supervisor; and Certified Prevention Specialist.

"These certificates are only awarded after specific education and training and the passing of international standard examinations,'' he stressed.

The system of reciprocity means that those qualifying in Bermuda will be able to practise in their specialties in some 42 US states, the District of Columbia, the US armed forces, the American Indian health services, Sweden, Canada and Germany.

The board, which will work closely with the Health Ministry, noted Deputy Premier Jerome Dill, is comprised of members from the addiction, education and legal professions.

It will be chaired by Mr. Ming. The other members are Dr. Price, Salvation Army Harbour Light programme director Nelson Bascome, FOCUS co-founder Sandra Butterfield, Montrose Substance Abuse Centre director Joanne Dill and representative Cecile Harris-Goodman, Mrs. McNaughton, Bermuda College associate dean Helen Pearman-Ziral and Appleby, Spurling and Kempe partner John Rihiluoma.