News that Premier Ewart Brown is now guarded by a plain-clothed Police officer when out in public due to recent security scares has led to concern and questions from the public.

The Royal Gazette reported how Dr. Brown agreed to the move after news last week that a man who accosted him while allegedly in possession of a concealed blade had a past conviction for causing bodily harm. The Premier said the April 16 incident — which did not lead to the man being arrested — made him "a little more concerned" about his personal safety.

He explained that this, coupled with an incident at Cabinet in January when Police dealt with a drunk demanding to see him, led to a change in his security arrangements. He had previously only had such protection at large gatherings.

Since the news came out, the Police, the Premier's official spokesman and the Minister for Public Safety have all remained tight-lipped about how much the move is costing and what factors were weighed up when Police made the recommendation.

However, readers of this newspaper were more forthcoming in talking about it.

Stratton Hatfield, 21, said: "The announcement is sadly and utterly shocking. Where is our Island heading towards?

"If the Premier has agreed to have a Police escort then he is blatantly stating that the island of Bermuda is not safe anymore. He is scared of the Bermudian people. The people that elected his party into power."

He added: "What has happened to our island in the sun? It seems to have taken a turn for the worse. What will come next, crime as in Jamaica? Gun controlled police everywhere they go? I pray not."

Meanwhile, Janet Smith said she was concerned about the potential impact on Police resources.

"It would seem that we are reasonably short of Police personnel as it is. No offence meant to our Premier, but I think that he could manage with someone from the Regiment who might be just as well trained in the necessary strategies to keep the man 'safe and sound' here on our Island," she said. We need our Police presence to try to protect us."

These thoughts were echoed by a man who asked for his nickname, 'Teejay' to be printed, but not his full name.

He said: "The issue is a joke. The Police should be doing their regular duties not babysitting Dr. Brown. Let him hire private security if he is concerned about his safety."

The man cited the fact that he does not have Bermudian status as his reason for requesting anonymity, in the light of recent comments by Immigration Minister Derrick Burgess that non-Bermudians should not get involved in local politics.

And a woman who asked that her name be withheld because of "the present climate" and because "I am fairly well known" commented: "I think it's darned stupid.

"What in the name of heaven is he afraid of? He is certainly not as important as he thinks he is. Bermuda is just a tiny speck in the Atlantic Ocean and he is acting like he is President of Russia."

The questions and concerns expressed were put to both Dr. Brown's spokesman and chief of staff, but no answer was forthcoming.

* What do you think. E-mail news@royalgazette.bm with your comments.