PLP backbencher Zane DeSilva has claimed the Governor knocked back a detailed proposal from the Premier to tackle gang crime.

The Government MP said Sir Richard Gozney told Premier Ewart Brown he could not support the plan, which would have involved bringing in "high-profile experts" from the States.

Mr. DeSilva likened Dr. Brown's idea to Operation Cleansweep, a 1990s crackdown on street drug dealers, and said he was disappointed that it did not get the backing of Government House.

"I really feel like the Governor is so out of step with the community on this one," said Mr. DeSilva. "He is out of synch with the community. If he was in synch he would be working with the Premier. He would be making public statements."

The member for Southampton East Central added: "What the Premier has certainly indicated to him [Sir Richard] and his predecessor is that he has had contacts and talks with our friends in the United States regarding the problem we are having. But we haven't had his support. I challenge him to tell Bermuda why."

The Governor has overall responsibility for the Police under the Bermuda Constitution, but much of that power is delegated to the Police Commissioner. The Government controls the Police budget.

Mr. DeSilva claimed nothing could really get done without Sir Richard. He said he could not give details of the Premier's plan, except to say it was devised after speaking to experts who have cleaned up US cities.

"We have talked to people that feel that they can do the same thing for Bermuda and we need the Governor to give us support so we can press ahead. From what I understood, he is not willing to give us a commitment to support us at this particular time."

He suggested the Governor was more interested in bringing in help from Britain. "Quite frankly, if he wants to go to the UK, fine, but let's do it," said Mr. DeSilva. "I'm urging the Governor to make a statement. I'm not saying he has to reveal any of his plans articulately but certainly I think we need to hear from him.

"He could be making statements to say: 'We are actively working on solutions to help resolve some of these problems we are having'. It's the gang problem, the drug problem, the crime problem and the gun problem."

He said his constituents' concerns about rising gang and gun violence prompted him to speak out — but he was not sure if the Premier would appreciate his remarks.

"He may not be very happy with the statement but I think he understands my frustration as well as many other members in the Progressive Labour Party."

Sir Richard said after the September 6 shooting of Richard Gaglio that the Island would look at how it could use overseas Police experience.

Mr. DeSilva said the attack on Mr. Gaglio in his Smith's home was one incident in a long line of violent attacks, many of them drug-related. Police have yet to apprehend the two gunmen involved.

"I'm concerned when anyone gets shot," said the MP. "My sympathy goes out to 'Gags'. I have known him the best part of 30 years. No disrespect to him but other people have been shot, other people have been killed. We have to start getting really tough."

Sir Richard is on leave in the UK. Deputy governor Mark Capes said on Wednesday: "Government House consults regularly with the Premier and other ministers on tackling gang crime or other criminal activity in our society.

"Proposals that might assist the Bermuda Police Service in their difficult work will always be considered on their merits."

Dr. Brown's spokesperson said: "The Premier doesn't have anything to add but of course combating crime remains high on the agenda in his work with Government House."

Bermuda Police Service press office did not respond to a request for comment from the Commissioner last night.