BAN CRITICISES MPS OVER DRUG TESTING

A spokesman for a citizens' organisation fighting the scourge of drugs
has said it is "sickened" that the Government has rejected drug
testing for MPs.

Takbir Karriem Sharrieff of Bermudians Against Narcotics (BAN) saif
yesterday the organisation will stage a picket to call for action if
the Government continues to stall over the issue.

He spoke out after the Progressive Labour Party blocked an Opposition
motion in the House of Assembly which said MPs should undergo
voluntary random tests.

Instead Government MPs -- including newly appointed anti-drugs supremo
Wayne Perinchief who says he backs testing -- voted for a watered down
motion to merely "take note" of the idea.

"I feel a great degree of disgust. The Government is supposed to be
taking a leading role in this war on drugs. They said that they did
not want their `hands forced' through this motion but they should be
standing out front saying that they will have mandatory testing," said
Mr. Sharrieff, who is Mr. Perinchief's brother.

"It's sickening that they have backed off from this opportunity to
show Bermudians that they are sincere and serious about drugs. It's
deplorable, and they should step up to the wicket. This was a
wonderful chance for them to show that they are a moral government and
drug-free themselves."

The campaigner added that BAN wants to see all workers in the
frontline of the war against drugs, including Police, judges, lawyers,
customs officials and prison wardens, undergoing mandatory tests.

"The idea of voluntary testing has no validity. Why would you want to
be tested if you are doing drugs?" he said. "I believe that there will
be testing in the House of Assembly and if necessary we will stage a
picket to push for it.The leaders of BAN will also put ourselves
forward to be tested."

In addition, he called for tougher sanctions for those convicted of
serious crimes of violence, particularly drug-related crime.

"They must be incarcerated off the Island. We don't have a prison
here, it's just a lock-up and doesn't have do anything that a
maximum-security prison should do. The prisoners have a great time --
they can get drugs and sex, whatever they want," he said.

As part of BAN's ongoing campaign about drugs on the Island an
awareness rally will be held in St. George on January 28 as a
follow-up to a similar event held in Hamilton last month.