Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley yesterday claimed the Government had shown a "failure of leadership" in dealing with crime.

Mr. Dunkley said Public Safety Minister, Senator David Burch's claims that his hands were 'tied' due to the Governor's responsibilities was "rubbish", as Government held the purse strings to the Police budget.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, the UBP leader said Bermuda was "in the midst of a two-year crime surge", with violent crime at its highest rate since 1999 and robbery rates at a ten-year peak. Mr. Dunkley said: "The last quarter of 2006 was the most violent since records began. Burglary rates appear to be at the highest levels ever recorded. People feel less safe. That is the reality today.

"We know from our canvassing that people's fear of violent crime and crime against their homes is widespread and growing. We also know — and this is very disturbing to us — that people do not feel the law can protect them. This is a grave state of affairs."

He said: "It is our contention that the Government has not been effective in doing what it can to fight crime. We do not believe it has marshalled the resources and powers at its disposal to have the effect it can have. We see this as a failure of leadership. In the midst of a surge in crime, we think the last thing this community wants or needs to hear is the Public Safety Minister (Senator David Burch) saying he is powerless, that his hands are tied because of constitutional issues.

"This is rubbish, and so we feel the need to call him on it.

"We are not helpless, as the Minister's statements have implied. The Government of Bermuda has the power to fight crime, and we as a community have the power to play an important part in that fight.

"We can make a difference, but it is going to require greater sense of responsibility and connection among citizens. Above all, it is going to require a greater commitment by the Government to see that the Police have the resources and support to get the job done.

"Col. Burch's contention that as Minister for Public Safety he is powerless to effect a change for the better proves groundless when you look at the facts.

"Just what power does the Government have at its disposal? Under our Constitution, the Government has 100 percent responsibility for ensuring that the Police Service is up to strength and properly trained.

"The Government is also responsible for funding the operations of the Police Service. This has an absolutely direct impact on the effectiveness of Police operations.

"The Police budget — now about $55 million a year — covers Police salaries, Police training and Police equipment. The budget is the product of consultations between the Police Commissioner and the Minister. Their plan is vetted and approved by the Cabinet and it is then presented by the Government for approval by the Legislature. In this process, the Government presents the performance indicators for the Police.

"Finally, there is the power that comes with consultation and persuasion. That's the power any Minister can bring to bear when he sits across the table from the Commissioner of Police or the Governor. It's the power to articulate exactly what the Government, elected by the people, wants. This power can be significant.

"When we hear the Minister suggest that the Government is powerless in the fight against crime, that constitutional issues tie his hands, we also remember that two of his predecessors were quick to claim credit when Police operations were successful.

"We say to Col. Burch: Stop the posturing, stop playing constitutional games. Get down to the business of doing what is necessary to provide people with a safe environment to raise their children, to live at home in security and to move about without fear of robbery, day or night.

"We say focus on doing better for the people. Put aside the excuses. There are real problems that need to be addressed.

"The Minister may not like the current constitutional arrangements, but it's what we've got, and they have worked well in the past. Right now, we don't have any sense that the Government has a plan. We want to hear one, and we think the community wants to hear one. People want to know what the Government is going to do about rising crime."

Alvin Wilson, UBP candidate for Sandys South, claimed 40 officers had resigned or retired from January to July. "I have no doubt whatever that some of these officers have resigned out of frustration with what is going on," he said.

He said that if the strength of the pound against the dollar was putting off potential recruits from coming to Bermuda then Government needed to make the recruitment package "more attractive".

Sean Pitcher, UBP candidate for Pembroke East, added: "We think the Government should also address the issue of local recruiting. We urge the Government to look at what it can do to attract more Bermudians into the service."