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'A flip-flop on a flip-flop'

Craig Cannonier (Photo by Akil Simmons) August 16,2011

Opposition Leader of the Craig Cannonier has called National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief's announcement that he is now considering introducing anti-gang legislation an example of electioneering and contradicts Government's position of just a few months ago.“This says to us that the Government is in full re-election mode willing to say anything to create the sense of government action, even if it contradicts their positions a few months ago.”The One Bermuda Alliance's Shadow Minister of National Security, Mr Cannonier described the Minister's latest stance as: “A flip-flop on a flip-flop.”Mr Cannonier continued: “Mr. Perinchief was for anti-gang legislation a year ago.“He said he was going to bring legislation to Parliament then did not because of concerns expressed by Police and civil liberty organisations.“Now he is for it. That's two 180 degree turns on one idea. It was the same for Operation Ceasefire. At first against it, now for it.”Mr Cannonier continued: “Most importantly, Mr. Perinchief's thinking indicates the Government still has no real anti-gang plan in place. Remember, this is three years after gang violence exploded across Bermuda.“Since that time, more than 50 people have been shot, nearly 20 murdered. Just this month a man was gunned down in a Pembroke home by two assailants.”Mr Cannonier concluded: “The OBA approach has been simple and straight forward all along provide police with the resources they need to quell the violence and contain gang activity; and proceed with Operation Ceasefire to stop the shootings, stop the killings and give gang members an out from gang life.”