I'll still take Bermuda and its rule of law over a majority of caribbean islands, including Aruba. And Bermuda has had its problems including attacks on tourists, drugs and gang violence.
Vorpman (on the run)
http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050617/MIDOCEAN/106170150Punish violent criminals with hard labour: Swan
Sen. Kim Swan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
by News Editor JONATHAN KENT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FORGET the softly, softly approach – it's time for Bermuda to punish violent criminals with hard labour and boot camp-style reform programmes.
That is the view of Shadow Tourism Minister Kim Swan, who urged the Government to get tougher with thugs after two female American tourists were attacked by a machete-wielding robber in St. George's last week.
With violent offences on the increase and Bermuda's image as a safe tourist destination being eroded, the public was crying out for punishments to fit the crimes, Senator Swan said.
And if necessary, Bermuda should link up with suitable correctional facilities overseas to ensure the thugs received the type of steely discipline needed, or even send them away to work at sea for a few weeks, he added.
The victims of last Thursday night's robbery, aged 49 and 50, had left the White Horse Tavern at about 11.15 p.m. when they were approached by the thug, who was brandishing a machete, on Naval Tanks Hill.
The young man pushed the 50-year-old woman to the ground and snatched the handbag she was carrying. The victim suffered bruising to the left arm.
Police last month unveiled first-quarter crime statistics that showed street robberies were up 50 per cent compared with the same period last year. And overall, crime had risen 26 per cent.
Sen. Swan said the St. George's crime was deplorable and people believed that "enough was enough". The consequences of such crimes against tourists were far-reaching, he added.
"All crimes affect people's quality of life, but the effects of crimes against tourists go beyond our shores," Sen. Swan said. "Word gets around quickly with the speed of the Internet and, with the events that are taking place in Aruba at the moment, it does not bode well."
The story of the St. George's attack was certainly being well read on the web yesterday. Headlined "American tourists robbed by man brandishing machete", the story was the third most read of The Royal Gazette's online edition – five days after it had first been published.
Meanwhile in Aruba, police yesterday made further arrests linked to last month's disappearance of 18-year-old Alabama high school graduate Natalee Holloway.
"Make no mistake about it, the whole world is watching and these types of predatory crimes against tourists are increasingly alarming our friends and potential visitors overseas," Sen. Swan added. "The rise in violent crimes of this nature is jeopardising perhaps the most important ingredient of the Bermuda experience – the ability of our visitors to enjoy the unique charm and safety of our island.
"The Progressive Labour Party's inability to get tough with violent criminals and their 'softly, softly' approach to crime is a dismal failure that has only led to a US State Department travel advisory and an increasing loss of public confidence.
"For a Government that prides itself on being socially aware, they are not doing enough to combat crime. They say the situation is being monitored or they are using focus groups to identify the problem. That's no good. Let the people who are prepared to get on with the job get on and do it."
Many parents used stern disciplinary measures to bring their own children back into line after they had gone astray, said the United Bermuda Party Senate Leader, and the country needed to adopt a similar philosophy when dealing with violent criminals.
And he felt strongly that those who had committed violent crime should not be imprisoned alongside petty criminals who could be influenced by them.
"When the courts have identified people as violent criminals we need to take corrective action," Sen. Swan said.
"I don't understand what three strikes means, but I do that one strike against a tourist will manifest itself 20-fold in the harm that it does. The time has come for Bermuda to consider 'boot camp-style reform' for violent criminals. We need to explore all the possible options, which include considering hard labour, overseas or on the high seas."
Three weeks ago the Bermuda Police Service launched a new Tourist Crimes Unit (TCU) to help tackle and reduce the rising number of crimes against visitors and tourism properties.
The TCU is designed to increase police visibility in areas frequented by tourists, such as beaches, shopping areas and guest properties.
Sen. Swan said immediate action was needed in the St. George's area after last week's attack.
"Remote areas, such as Naval Tanks Hill and Coot Pond Road, and other areas where tourists are likely to walk at night, must be suitably lighted and policed," he said.
"While the community waits for action from the PLP, the UBP will continue to support the Bermuda Police Service, which is doing a phenomenal job with the meagre resources available to them. We urge the public to do their part by being vigilant and insuring that the police receive the support they need to bring violent criminals to justice."
Police are appealing for witnesses to last Thursday night's robbery.
The suspect is described as an 18-year-old black male, approximately 5ft 6in tall, of slim build, wearing shades, a baseball cap, a red sports jersey and long blue jeans. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the St. George's Criminal Investigation Unit on 297-1122.
l An American woman reported having her handbag snatched by a man on an auxiliary cycle as she walked along Pitts Bay Road, near the junction with Bermudiana Road, on Wednesday night at around 7.40 p.m. The suspect is described as a dark-skinned male, riding a red rental cycle with a large wire basket. Any witnesses are asked to contact Hamilton Police on 295-0011.
