A new drug treatment facility unveiled by Government yesterday is expected to curb drug-related crimes on the Island.

The 'Right Living House', within the Department of Corrections, is the first 24-hour drug treatment facility of its kind in Bermuda and should begin assisting inmates before 2010. The therapeutic centre will provide intensive drug rehabilitation for a minimum of 12 months for 18-20 adult males and will be a mandatory alternative to other correctional facilities.

According to Neletha Butterfield, Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation there is a direct correlation with drugs and crimes on the Island. Minister Butterfield said yesterday: "A study done a few years ago on drug prevalence among offenders entering prison found that 50 percent of persons tested positive for marijuana, 17 percent tested positive for heroin and 35 percent tested positive for cocaine.

"Further, three out of every four offenders tested positive for at least one illicit drug."

At the official opening ceremony, Premier Ewart Brown spoke about the "crippling impact" of drugs in our community and the various programmes Government has implemented to tackle it.

He said: "Just over a year ago I made a statement following a special cabinet session that I called to develop strategies to end the anti-social behaviour among young people, that is threatening our country's very way of life. I asked all Cabinet Ministers to bring forward programmes that will address this issue."

So far, Government has addressed the issue by increasing Police presence on the streets and increasing support for Mirrors and other treatment programmes, the Premier said. This residential facility is the next step and will address drug abuse among people who are incarcerated.

Acting Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing, Walter Roban, considered the opening a "milestone" in drug rehabilitation. He said: "This programme will assist in recovering some of our lost souls from the darkness they have experienced while tackling drug addiction. The anticipated outcome of this therapeutic community will not only benefit individuals who will participate in it, but also go a long way in healing our community, the Bermudian community in general."

"These men will be able to restore themselves to their rightful place as fathers, grandfathers, sons, brothers, caregivers and workers. The benefit from all of that will be the restoration of our families, who have long suffered with them with some of the results of addiction."

Community Education Centre, a leading therapeutic company in the United States, has been instrumental in this project and will assist in training Bermudian workers to manage and operate the 'Right Living House' facility. James Elder, the State Director of Key Crest Aftercare Programme, said: "Programmes like this have been shown... to significantly impact the degree in which people reoffend and we are just really excited, really optimistic and really grateful to get that opportunity here on the Island".

The house, which is equipped with group and one-on-one therapy areas, includes dormitory style bunk beds for inmates, as well as kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities. Residents are responsible for the upkeep of the home and will have to cook and do laundry, in addition to regular therapeutic and rehabilitation sessions, during their stay.