Dunkley to Premier: Time to "man up" on crime
Published by Admin on October 20th, 2009
BERMUDA — Monday, Oct. 20, 2009 — [Bermuda Wired]: IT’S TIME for Premier Dr. Ewart Brown to “man up” and quit playing “wimpy” and “utterly cynical” political games regarding spiraling crime — says the Opposition’s Senator Michael Dunkley.
In a media statement last night, Sen. Dunkley launched a blistering political attack on the ruling PLP Government, denouncing Dr. Brown’s frustration over a lack of control over the Police.
Governor Sir Richard Gozney sparked the reaction in today’s edition of The Royal Gazette by suggesting Government has been sluggish in accepting his offer to frequently discuss operational policing, in which he has responsibility.
Sir Richard had stated: “I have proposed a forum for such regular discussions which would seek to reach agreement between Government House, Government, and the Police.
“So far the Bermuda Government has declined to take up the proposal.”
And Government’s powerlessness claims are nothing more than clever politics, according to the UBP shadow Minister. He adds: “The Premier’s aim is to be able to point the finger of blame at the Governor.
“[They want to do this] to avoid any political accountability for Public Safety.”
Plus, Sen. Dunkley suggests that Government utilize its existing power of the purse strings.
“The reality of the situation is that [Dr. Brown’s] Government has very significant power to effect stronger, more effective law enforcement measures,” he contends.
“[It can do so] through its control of the budget and the ever-present opportunity to speak directly with the Governor and the Police Commissioner.”
The Premier’s reaction, according to ZBM radio news this morning, was through spokesperson Arnold Minors, who emphasizes the Government's complaints are deeper than just meetings with the Governor.
Mr. Minors said in order to ensure direct accountability, the Government needs operational control over the Police Service... declaring those who foot the bills ought to have a say in how the show is run.
In a media statement last night, Sen. Dunkley launched a blistering political attack on the ruling PLP Government, denouncing Dr. Brown’s frustration over a lack of control over the Police.
Governor Sir Richard Gozney sparked the reaction in today’s edition of The Royal Gazette by suggesting Government has been sluggish in accepting his offer to frequently discuss operational policing, in which he has responsibility.
Sir Richard had stated: “I have proposed a forum for such regular discussions which would seek to reach agreement between Government House, Government, and the Police.
“So far the Bermuda Government has declined to take up the proposal.”
And Government’s powerlessness claims are nothing more than clever politics, according to the UBP shadow Minister. He adds: “The Premier’s aim is to be able to point the finger of blame at the Governor.
“[They want to do this] to avoid any political accountability for Public Safety.”
Plus, Sen. Dunkley suggests that Government utilize its existing power of the purse strings.
“The reality of the situation is that [Dr. Brown’s] Government has very significant power to effect stronger, more effective law enforcement measures,” he contends.
“[It can do so] through its control of the budget and the ever-present opportunity to speak directly with the Governor and the Police Commissioner.”
The Premier’s reaction, according to ZBM radio news this morning, was through spokesperson Arnold Minors, who emphasizes the Government's complaints are deeper than just meetings with the Governor.
Mr. Minors said in order to ensure direct accountability, the Government needs operational control over the Police Service... declaring those who foot the bills ought to have a say in how the show is run.
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