packed Progressive Labour Party forum on crime and violence last night urged Bermudians to "fight back'' in the war for the Island's streets and neighbourhoods.

"Ten years ago, I moved to (Pembroke East) and went out of my way to avoid the drug dealers in the area,'' said one member of the predominantly black audience.

"Three years later my wife had had enough and drove right through them. Now when they see her, they move. She fought back.'' Added another man: "We don't need any help. We can solve the problem ourselves. The 17 black clubs that we have should abandon the sale of liquor and tobacco. That would bring our families together.'' Drug and alcohol addiction and the deterioration of the family unit were just some of the reasons for the Island's recent crime wave that were bandied about at the meeting, the first in a series that the PLP is conducting to "investigate the nature, causes and extent of crime ... and its effects on the quality of life in Bermuda.'' Others, including a lack of spiritual values and a pernicious media influence, were fleshed out by the forum's five panelists.

In the case of newspaper columnist and former PLP candidate Mr. Rolfe Commissiong, it was "the alienation and victimisation of black males in our society.'' "The underemployment of black men has resulted in a permanent underclass,'' he told the audience. "With little exception, Hamilton is a city in which there are few black males in gainful employ. And joblessness is a direct cause of violence.'' Quoting from a letter by a young black prisoner in the recently constructed Westgate Correctional Facility, he added: "It's a shame this Island doesn't have anything for its youth. All it has is this new multi-million-dollar prison. Something has to be done.'' PLP MP Dr. Ewart Brown, meanwhile, wondered if the crime wave and its attendent coverage hadn't been concocted or manipulated by the governing powers in an effort to hold their position.

"Think about whether this recent crime wave is an accident or not,'' he said.

"If news of this crime wave gets out of the Island in any serious way, will the PLP be able to win the next election? Think about a Government that has nothing new to offer, that has taken to recycling the policies of the PLP.'' Few people picked up directly on Dr. Brown's conspiracy theories, although some urged Bermudians to turn their backs on the large liquor and tobacco companies that were "poisoning'' them and others blamed both political parties for the current situation.

Most, however, urged an individual response to the increase in crime, with Women's Resource Centre chairwoman Ms Toni Daniels asking people to speak out in cases of domestic violence and Fair Havens drug counsellor Ms Gwen Robinson telling them to stop ignoring the drugs "in your homes and neighbourhoods.'' PLP MP Mr. Nelson Bascombe, meanwhile, told parents to forge closer bonds with their children and never stop.

"Use consistent discipline versus inconsistent discipline,'' he said. "Give them high expectations and lots of affection.''