debate and the UBP's response to the Throne Speech, pointed out his Government had increased ARV exemptions from $20,000 to $30,000.

He added: "Do you think we liked changing hotel commercial values? We didn't want to do that. We said give us ten months to correct that. They (the UBP) have frightened the people.'' But Shadow Tourism Minister David Dodwell said Mr. Cox was squirming on the issue.

He said: "They realised they made a mistake. His civil servants cautioned him about breaking the campaign and budget promise to increase tax. He could have and should have adjusted tax rates accordingly.'' He said the hotel industry was in pain.

"They were promised help from the Government and that promise was broken.

It's not too late. There is a budget in February.'' He said there should be a rebate to make up for the extra which has been taken this year.

He attacked the new Government for inactivity since its November election. He said: "The public are waiting with great anticipation.'' He mocked Government for announcing plans for new bus washing equipment, discounts for senior citizens at the aquarium and tours of Nonsuch Island while ignoring the meatier issues such as housing and crime.

He said: "Where's the vision. What about the 100 houses that the UBP promised that are now only 50?'' He also attacked Ministers for failing to respond to the press. He said: "At least the Minister of Tourism speaks -- sometimes too much, but people hear comments from the press that Ministers don't return calls and that most of them don't even have voicemail.'' Moving to other issues, paranoia fuelled by a fear of crime is sweeping across some parts of the Island, it was claimed by the UBP.

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Michael Dunkley said there was a perception in the community that crime was getting worse at an alarming rate -- whilst the Government did nothing about it.

He cited a survey carried out by the United Bermuda Party, in which people stated that they thought the situation had deteriorated and that the number of Police officers should be increased.

The war on drugs was not being fought at all, he said, adding that the Police staffing situation was making the public feel unsafe.

"It is letting criminals have a dream vacation from prosecution,'' he said.

"More and more drug pushers are having their own way, sucking more and more of our young people in to their web.'' Mr. Dunkley called upon the Government to bring in more officers to supplement the ranks.

Deputy Premier Eugene Cox said all he wanted was to bring in more Englishmen, but the Devonshire South MP replied he just wanted public safety.