The Editor, Sir:

I noted your comment that "Nevertheless, we must commend Prime Minister Golding for his swift action in dealing with this number one issue of crime." In response to the removal of Mr Smith from the national security portfolio, are we to understand then that this was a result of the failure of Mr Smith to implement the policy on crime presented in the party manifesto? Are we also to understand that the policy on crime outlined in the party manifesto which we expect to be the result of a collective effort, had no operational details to guide Mr Smith in his work, so that it was just a stand-alone document with no supporting detailed operational plan?

If so, what were those details for implementation which Mr Smith failed to carry out? If it is the same policy that Col. MacMillan will carry out, are the operational plans the same, or are these to be varied? If there is no variation in either policy or operational plans, it would seem to me that changing the man will really change nothing, will it? So, what are the commendations for?

I am, etc.,

JANET JOHNSON-HAUGHTON

jmjhau@hotmail.com