Get control of crime

February 7, 2007

Dear Sir,

I read The Royal Gazettefrom my home in North Smithfield, Rhode Island on a daily basis and it truly disturbs me that the drug trade and proliferation within this tiny island appears to be growing in what was once a beautiful part of the world. I have visited Bermuda on many occasions and yet while I contemplate another visit, I read daily of unsuspecting visitors being mugged on the streets and in their hotels and guest houses. I know that this is not the Bermuda that the good citizens of the island want.

Today I read that there are numerous crack houses that are not being shut down due to technicalities. Let me ask the obvious, what technicalities allow the continuation of illegal behaviour? Certainly, some benefits must be derived from the illegal activity if in fact, it continues to prosper. And who benefits? Maybe if this question were honestly answered the proliferation would stop.

I have visited many islands in the Caribbean and have always loved Bermuda. However, if the drug traffic and trade on your island continues to the point that tourists are in jeopardy, rest assured that we will not go to Bermuda.

I always believed that the Bermudian standard of living was much better than that of so many of the other islands that I have visited. I am afraid that I may have been wrong.

Until Bermudians, their law enforcement units and the courts take control of these issues and meet just punishment for all offenders, tourists should be advised to either boycott or exercise “extreme caution” in Bermuda.

MARY CIMINI

North Smithfield, Rhode Island