on the same Rock. It seems that in an attempt to have something to say or in an attempt to attract attention, politicians can come out with the most extraordinary ideas. The trouble is that they inflict their fantasies on the public.

On Thursday night there was a very sensible Progressive Labour Party forum on crime and violence. The object was to "investigate the nature, causes and extent of crime and its effects on the quality of life in Bermuda''. Clearly it is in the best interests of Bermuda to take a look at the problems of crime and violence in a constructive way. It is also very helpful to allow the public a forum to have their say on a subject which concerns them a great deal.

Indeed members of the public attending the forum seem to have taken the opportunity to make very heartfelt and community oriented suggestions. Among other things, people were urged to stop overlooking drugs in their homes and neighbourhoods. Basically the public was urged not to allow drugs and crime and violence to happen to their neighbourhood. That's all very sensible.

Then up spoke Dr. Ewart Brown, the MP for Warwick West, who is quoted as wondering if the crime wave and its attendant media coverage had been concocted or manipulated by the governing powers in an effort to hold their position.

Over the years we have encountered some strange conspiracy theories but this one must take first prize. It has to rank with a PLP MP's suggestion that Bermuda should build a new airport at Dockyard.

Dr. Brown is quoted as saying, "Think about whether this recent crime wave is an accident or not. If news of this crime wave gets out of the Island in any serious way, will the PLP be able to win the next election?'' It boggles the mind to try to work out just how Dr. Brown thinks anyone connected to Bermuda could benefit from upsetting Bermudians, and the source of our income, our visitors and the overseas companies, with a crime wave.

What possible advantage could the "governing powers'' hope to get from a crime wave "on their watch''? The one thing the "governing powers'' work endlessly to protect is Bermuda's income which comes exclusively from tourism and overseas companies.

It seems to us that Dr. Brown may be more concerned about power and coming to power than he is a about the kind of crime which threatens every Bermudian's livelihood. His intent, which he announced before the last election, of running for office to settle some scores may even be outweighed by his concern for power.

We have to wonder with some politicians just how far they will go to cause suspicion in the minds of members of the public. Thankfully Bermuda has a well educated and sensible public which is unlikely to be swayed by nonsense.