TEST ALL ELECTION CANDIDATES FOR DRUGS: MOSHER

RANDOM drug testing of all candidates in next month's General Election would
help people "have faith in their leaders".

That is the view of Vaughn Mosher, managing director of Benedict Associates,
the company which tests people for illegal substances on behalf of several
of the island's sporting bodies and employers.

"There is so much suspicion these days," said Mr. Mosher. "I think people
hope their leaders are leading a good life and this (testing of candidates)
is one way that could be demonstrated. We all want to have faith in our
leaders."

Progressive Labour Party spokesman Walter Roban said of the proposal
yesterday: "I can't comment on behalf of the candidates. I think random drug
testing should be a matter of individual choice.

"The Progressive Labour Party is anti-drugs. We have made our position on
that very clear."

He said if Mr. Mosher wanted to pursue a test of all candidates, he could
make an official approach to the PLP.

United Bermuda Party Leader Dr. Grant Gibbons said he was in favour of Mr.
Mosher's proposal.

"We are all aware that drugs are a scourge in our community, in family life
and in the workplace," said Dr. Gibbons, who added that UBP Senators and MPs
had been randomly tested regularly over the past few months as a matter of
party policy.

"There are many people, like athletes, bus drivers and some workers in the
private sector, who are tested. MPs and Senators should be held up to the
same standards.

"We believe that in addition to talking the talk, we should be walking the
walk."

Mr. Mosher confirmed that he had been carrying out random tests for the
United Bermuda Party on its politicians - calling them up at short notice to
take a blood sample - for several months. And he said that one Progessive
Labour Party MP, Dale Butler, had also volunteered to do it.

"We've had good feedback from people we work with, for example Butterfield &
Vallis. Jim Butterfield has said that this is a health and safety issue,"
said Mr. Mosher.

"He has said there were drivers who used to work for him but left because of
these tests, but they are still out there driving for other people.

"It has helped the company to decrease absenteeism and to increase
production and morale."