Bermuda's islandwide response to substance misuse took centre stage last week as the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, opened the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Bermuda Drug Information Network (BerDIN).
Hosted by the Department for National Drug Control (DNDC) on November 28 at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, this year's meeting highlighted the importance of reliable local data in informing effective prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation policies.
Now in its fourteenth year, BerDIN remains the Island's most comprehensive source of information on drug use trends, treatment demand, and related public health concerns.
With more than fifteen years of data captured in its system, the Network provides decision-makers with a clear picture of Bermuda’s shifting drug landscape and strengthens the country’s ability to respond strategically.
BerDIN has grown into a national initiative recognised both locally and regionally, highlighting Bermuda’s leadership in building a coordinated, data-driven approach to drug control.
In his opening remarks, Minister Weeks stressed the significance of the information shared during this annual forum. He stated: “This meeting is designed to assess the current framework for addressing substance abuse of individuals and to review new programmes that have been implemented over the past few years.
“Consequently, this annual meeting is crucial to offering a platform for essential discussions that will enhance our understanding of the trends related to addiction, prevention, treatment, and successful rehabilitation.”
Highlighting the Island’s growing evidence base, he added: “We can no longer claim that the data is nonexistent, as the BerDIN database now holds over 15 years of drug-related information for Bermuda. BerDIN exemplifies the power of collaboration and what we can achieve together.”
Representatives from across the public health, enforcement, and social support sectors reviewed findings from the latest BerDIN publication and discussed how emerging trends should inform future policy development. These insights help shape priorities for treatment access, mental health support, community prevention efforts, and long-term recovery pathways.
Minister Weeks also emphasised the importance of inter-agency cooperation, noting the network's evolution since its establishment: "It is an impressive achievement that the fledgling network, founded in 2008, has now evolved into a national initiative, involving approximately 32 data providers – one that is acknowledged both locally and regionally. This Network depends on the readiness to share data, foster transparency, and offer support."
Minister Weeks expressed appreciation for the DNDC team, recognising its role in maintaining the national drug information system and coordinating the Annual Meeting. He commented: "I want to express my gratitude to the dedicated and enthusiastic team at the DNDC for their hard work in organising and hosting this annual event; for fostering ongoing collaboration; and for spearheading the initiatives that guarantee relevant local data is accessible to guide decision-making at both policy and programme levels.”
The Minister further noted that the BerDIN information system now serves as a model of effective collaboration that could be duplicated across the Government. He emphasised that its structure, transparency, and cross-agency engagement represent the kind of coordinated approach that can strengthen decision-making in other public policy areas.