primaries are especially concerned about drugs and crime. That also seems to us to be the early theme of the new Premier, Pamela Gordon. We think it is especially important because it is the very area where the Progressive Labour Party is seen to be soft.

There seems little doubt that it is the area which is of most concern to the general public. Crime and drugs even outstrip the concerns about tourism. The people know that if Bermuda continues with the drug problem and crime and guns become a daily part of this society as they are in some other places, we can kiss any growth in tourism goodbye.

We think that crime and drugs and guns and the association between the three should become the social crusade of the Government. We also think that is what the people want.

At least one primary candidate has suggested stiffer penalties. We think that the penalties on the statute books now are severe enough but that the courts need to exercise those penalties. Too often the sentences handed down do not appear to the public to match the severity of the crimes committed. And, why anyone arrested for drugs and firearms would be given bail is a total mystery which has caused the community and, indeed, the Governor, great concern.

There is another factor. The jury system does not seem to be serving Bermuda well. Too often jurors appear to present us with verdicts which are against the evidence. We think that far too many responsible people have found ways to avoid jury duty and thus the decisions are being left to people who are reluctant to convict or careless with the oath they take as jurors. It may be time for Government to take a hard look at the jury system and those who do not serve. Some cases, especially fraud cases which rely on complex evidence, may require special juries.

We believe that the Attorney General's Department and the prosecution of criminal cases is not as strong as it might be and, given the money made by lawyers in the private sector, Bermuda may have to substantially increase salaries to attract top people. Too often people who have not been a private success then enter the public legal system and that is wrong.

Bermuda has made some real progress with a revitalised Police Service thanks to Commissioner Colin Coxall. People are being apprehended and crime is on the decrease. What we need now is a revamped court system to properly service these apprehensions. Nothing is more discouraging to the Police than to have a body of evidence against people who are then let free.