an executive director, who will oversee the expansion of the charitable organisation's community programmes.

Mr. Gordon R. Johnson, who holds a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Toronto, will help the Council "fulfil its mandate of community development through drug and alcohol education and prevention''.

Initially focusing on youth and families, the expansion "is a strategy involving partnerships with community members to solve problems and build strength, self-sufficiency and well-being''.

The appointment was made upon recommendations outlined in Dr. David Archibald's report "A Proposal for a National Drug Strategy''.

Joint chairmen of the Council, Ms Susan Butterfield and Mr. Cole Simons stated in a press release: "Given the challenges the community faces in addressing the issue of alcohol and drug use in Bermuda, we at the Council are very enthusiastic to be working with an individual who is as dedicated to community development as Mr. Johnson.'' Mr. Johnson has direct clinical experience in addictions, crisis intervention, coercive sexuality, and systemic family therapy. He has developed and managed community projects and programmes in the areas of tobacco, drug and alcohol prevention/education, and has extensive experience in administration, fund-raising and staff development.

In Canada, Mr. Johnson worked with the Addiction Research Foundation of Ontario, was a counsellor on the Crisis Intervention and Sexual Assault Team at Mississauga Hospital, and served as the director of development with Peel Partners for A Drug-Free Community Inc.