MAVERICK United Bermuda Party MP Maxwell Burgess believes his party is doomed to continued electoral failure and that the island needs a new political force. Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Royal Gazette, the former Shadow Home Affairs Minister (pictured), who last month rounded on party leader Wayne Furbert, said: "I think people will not turn their back on the PLP for any old alternative. Until such time as an alternative far more attractive comes along, it is safe to say it will be around for a while. I think Bermuda will require a new party. I think the United Bermuda Party has demonstrated its inability to come to grips with the radical change that is required." Mr. Burgess confirmed that he will be retiring from politics at the next General Election to concentrate on business interests.

Brown targets crime

PREMIER Ewart Brown has pledged a crackdown on crime after initiating discussions with the Governor "on creative ways to combat crime which will strike at the very heart of criminal operations". In a televised address to the nation, Dr. Brown said: "The people of Bermuda will be made aware of this Government's commitment not only to law and order, but to the men and women who work on the front line to provide that. In a wide-ranging speech, the Premier also touched on youth issues, declaring that he was "personally committed to rescuing a generation of Bermudians who, for whatever reason, are reluctant or unable to to take their places as true citizens in their country."

Crack house criticism

GOVERNMENT is failing in its pledge to shut down a number of crack dens across the island, according to the Opposition. Shadow Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley this week accused Government of being "scared" of tackling the problem and that the lack of action was disappointing. In 2005 Government earmarked 17 crack houses for closure, but to date just three of those 17 - along with three others - have been put out of action. "If you read between the lines you can see they are scared to tackle the problem," Mr. Dunkley said. "They say the right thing but do not seem to be doing it. Meanwhile, drug dealers are taking over more and more of Bermuda. It seems to be all talk and no action to make the community believe they are doing something about the issue. It's disappointing that they are taking that tack."

Call for student accountability

A top Civil Servant says the reason so many students are failing in school is because parents are too soft on them. Education Permanent Secretary Rosemary Tyrell told a Hamilton Rotary meeting that today's youth are given too much and not expected to work for it. "We have become somewhat prosperous and we have not shown them what it takes, what needs to be done to get there and make a success of yourself. But Mrs. Tyrell also acknowledged there were flaws in the public education system which were also holding youngsters back."No matter which way you look at it, there is a long way to go before we can be proud of public educatin in Bermuda," she said.

Senior attorney stands down

DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions Vinette Graham Allen is to be questioned by the head of the Civil Service following the shock resignation of the department's second-in-command. Principal Crown Counsel Nicholas Harrison steeped down after just two days in the post. His departure from the department followed the resignation of lawyer Kae Thomas on Tuesday.