Anti-racism campaigners have slammed the Premier for ignoring Bermudians' proposals for tackling crime.

The National Association for Reconciliation accused the Hon. Sir John Swan of only listening to "foreign experts''.

And it called on Sir John and his United Bermuda Government to show much greater leadership.

It also stated the issue should be discussed with race, since blacks were more "harshly impacted'' by crime and violence.

Said an NAR spokeswoman: "Despite reports to the contrary, the aspect of race is an obvious factor in this issue...To ignore this fact is to reveal a lack of seriousness in any approach to the problem.'' The NAR lashed out amid concern over the crime wave sweeping the Island, including the Spinning Wheel Club double shooting.

The organisation stated it shared the widely expressed concern over violence and crime. "We have noted with gratification both the Government's and Opposition's concern,'' said the spokeswoman. "The Premier has repeatedly stated that Government does not have the solution and only the public can solve the problem. The call for a gun amnesty notwithstanding, Government has a far greater responsibility for both leadership and implementation than any of the public.

"This is especially true when one considers that suggested solutions by the public often fall on deaf ears unless these solutions are put forward by foreign experts.

"The NAR believes that Sir John Swan, as Premier, and his Government must demonstrate genuine concern for this matter of criminal activity by showing far more respect, support and encouragement for those initiatives that are generated by the Bermudian public.

"Only then can we hope to correct the imbalances which exist in the black and white communities.''