work'', an Opposition Senator charged this week.

And during the Senate's motion to adjourn on Wednesday, Government Senate Leader Maxwell Burgess offered to be a negotiator between Government and the Police Service over pay increases.

"It makes little sense to have officers out there promoting (the Police Service) if they are going to be treated as the present Government is treating them,'' Sen. Burgess said.

And he accused Government of failing both the individual officers and the Island by not taking care of the men and women "on the front line'' of the war against drugs and crime.

"The social fabric of any society is based upon its ability to maintain good law and good order,'' said Sen. Burgess.

He appealed to Senate President Alf Oughton to act as a liaison between the two sides to resolve the dispute.

And he went on to say he would surrender his personal business to help settle the issue.

"I will be prepared to quit my private activity to shuffle between the two to bring about a fair day's pay for a fair day's work,'' said Sen. Burgess.

"Government has to come to grips with this as expeditiously as possible for all of us.'' In response, Government Sen. Michael Scott rejected Sen. Burgess' offer and described his address as an act of "unmitigated gall''.

And he countered that the problems Government was now facing stemmed from issues which existed under the previous Government.

Government Senate Leader Milton Scott also challenged why Sen. Burgess did not do more during his time as Minister of Labour and Home Affairs to help the Service.

"We don't need his help,'' said Sen. Scott. "When he was Minister he couldn't do anything about it. What makes him think he can do anything about it now?'' But Sen. Scott accepted Sen. Burgess' assertion that the Police Service was in crisis.

"The principle is sound. The Police need our support.''