THE RESPONSE of the ruling Peoples National Party to the national concern about the present levels of crime is as predictable as it is unfortunate: play the political card.This was in evidence on Wednesday when what was described as enthusiastic supporters turned out in a sea of orange, to welcome home Prime Minister P.J. Patterson from his working holiday. Even before that there was the reaction of Paul Burke, the chairman of the PNP's Region Three, in his dismissal of those who were speaking out against crime as hypocrites.
According to Mr. Burke the private sector leaders, who were being vocal about the crime situation, were only doing so because crime appeared to be affecting them directly.
The party cannot have it both ways. It cannot adopt partisan positions and close ranks in a "us versus them" posture, while at the same time the party leader and Prime Minister is saying, quite correctly, "the fight against crime cannot be won by any single person or any group in isolation".
The fight against crime requires national effort but the will and the direction has to come from those who are elected to govern. Playing political games with the issue only serves to give tacit support to those elements, which are intent on murder and mayhem.
