Mrs. Eugenie Simmons has finally started work as chief executive officer of the National Drug Commission.

And she has placed the controversy over her appointment behind her.

"If people didn't care, they wouldn't criticise,'' she said yesterday.

When it came to drugs, "our biggest critics will probably end up being our staunchest supporters, because they're the most worried.'' The announcement in March that Mrs. Simmons was named to head the NDC drew harsh criticism.

Shadow Human Affairs Minister Ms Renee Webb and former National Alcohol and Drug Agency head Mr. Cal Ming said that more qualified applicants were overlooked.

But NDC chairman Mr. Alastair Macdonald, who also heard cries for his resignation, rode out the storm and insisted Mrs. Simmons was the best choice.

"We are pleased to have her on board,'' Mr. Macdonald said. "It should make a big difference now.'' Mrs. Simmons said she did not take the criticism personally.

"The community's anxiety level is high when it comes to the problems of drugs, substance abuse and crime,'' she said. "They want this initiative to succeed, and they want to assure the right plans are made and the right people are in place.

"If they are critical, it does not necessarily mean they are being churlish or mean-spirited. It is indicative of the level of worry.

"What we need to do is convert that anxiety into positive, co-operative work so that we can be successful.'' Mrs. Simmons, who is on a three-year contract, left her job as behavioural/educational therapist with the Education Department to take the NDC post. She has a Masters Degree in special education and has worked on community-based anti-drugs projects.

Mr. Macdonald said the delay between the announcement of Mrs. Simmons' appointment and her beginning work allowed her to give notice at the Education Department. Also, "we had to work out the process by which we were going to appoint her,'' he said.

Mrs. Simmons, who worked her first day on Wednesday, said as well as tending to administrative details to get the NDC office operating, she was working with other groups like the Council Partners.

Several treatment issues were being pursued, like establishment of a detox unit in conjunction with the Bermuda Hospitals Board and hiring of a consultant through the Health Ministry to assist with "a facelift'' for Addiction Services.

Talks aimed at having drug treatment funded through health insurance were also looking "very, very positive,'' she said.

Drug awareness advertising was being worked on, as was a library proposal with the Council Partners.

"It seems to be a new birth here,'' she said. "There's a general sense that the community spirit is growing.'' Mrs. Eugenie Simmons.