A COSTLY COMMITMENT WILL DEMAND RESULTS

The recent financial commitment that has been made by the Government
in this year's budget to address crime is a welcome move, but there is
no doubt that expectations will be raised about performance and results.

Every public sector or Government department is accountable to the
treasury for the money they spend and it will be no different for law
enforcement.

This year there are extra expenditures within the security budget to
focus on the control of our borders.

With the increase in people and drug trafficking all over the world,
even the Cayman Islands can no longer think itself immune from the
ills of the international community and the waters that surround this
country can be a source of criminal activity, which will impact
directly on all who live and work here.

The most pressing issue that law enforcement will be expected to deal
with is the shipment and smuggling of illegal drugs, the scourge of
every modern day community.

We must however, recognize that throwing money at this particular
problem does not always bring equitable results.

All over the world as governments increase expenditure on fighting the
war on drugs, the war is far from won, many would say it is lost and
no amount of financial commitment to border security will stop these
goods making there way onto the black market in every country.

With money allocated to purchase more marine patrol vessels then
officers from Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, (RCIPS) and the
Customs Department will be able to cover more ground.

However, those in the business of dealing drugs will be aware of that
and will simply ensure that they utilize the decoy system more
effectively in our waters as they do elsewhere in the world.

It is well documented internationally that, when law enforcement
intercepts one shipment of drugs more often than not that was merely a
decoy boat sent to distract from the really serious shipments going on
simultaneously.

Protecting our borders is an important issue but with an unprecedented
level of investment in that area this year, we should prepare to be
disappointed when it comes to a proportionate result.

Much of the crime we experience here in the Cayman Islands is like
many other modern societies based around the issue of drugs.

Disputes between rival drug dealing gangs resulted in an increase in
shootings and even murders last year and frequently the opportunist
robberies, thefts, handbag snatchings and muggings are a result of
users trying to raise the money for a fix.

Trying to tackle drug related crime is essential and if possible
cutting off the supply can only mean a reduction of drugs on our streets.

We must then of course be prepared for the unintended consequences of
succeeding. Reducing the number of drugs on the streets creates more
rivalry between dealers to secure their goods and pushes up the price,
meaning users will be committing more crime to secure the increased
cash they need to buy their drugs.

As most experts say when it comes to tackling drug crime we need to
address the users through education and attract our young people away
from the temptations of drugs as much as we need to tackle those who
produce, distribute, ship and sell what are the world's most high
demand illegal goods.

Money spent on fighting the drug war with more boats and police
officers is only part of it. We need to ensure that expenditure on
education about drug misuse and helping those who fall victim to the
scourge recover their lives, is equally as substantial.

Security and protection from crime are important elements in all
modern societies and we welcome the Government's commitment to take
crime seriously and raise spending where necessary -- the Government
we hope will not be too disappointed with the results.