OFF THE WIRE
We are keeping a close eye on you and the province is ready to assist
courts and police with legislation to investigate and prosecute you, if
necessary.
It is an appropriate response to the very real threats
posed by the Hells Angels and other outlaw gangs that have set up shop
on P.E.I. The Angels arrived last fall, greatly raising the alert level.
Police in other provinces warned that the Angels are here to establish
territory.
Premier Wade MacLauchlan felt the situation was
serious enough to call a news conference, flanked by police agencies and
government ministers. He outlined possible measures open to the
province and police to curtail gang activity. It was a clear warning
whatever you do better not cross over into criminal activity. If you do,
the full weight of police and government agencies are coming down on
you. If police need additional help, it will be there.
The outlaw
gangs did respond. They met Saturday to discuss the province¹s
³discrimination against bikers.² The Atlantic Confederation of Clubs and
Independents, which charitably describes itself as a not-for-profit
association, posted a response, saying it "vehemently opposes the
government's attempts to erode the Charter of Rights and Freedoms of the
sons and daughters of P.E.I."
And if it wasn¹t so serious, it
would be almost laughable to keeping reading, ³We, the motorcycle
community, will not be intimidated and threatened . . . "
Well
that¹s too bad. We vehemently oppose outlaw motorcycle gangs setting up
on P.E.I. Why are you here? It¹s not to conduct food drives or take
tours to Anne of Green Gables. No, you¹re here to conduct criminal
activity. Drugs are your lifelines everywhere you go. Why would anyone
think it would be different on P.E.I.?
The ACC declared the
provincial response as fear mongering by the police and political
pandering by the premier. Good. If nothing else, the premier and police
got your attention.
All the province has done so far is have the
justice department look at some legislative changes. Granted, government
should not be deciding what clothing its citizens should wear in bars.
But before anyone starts feeling sorry for the Hells Angels, never
forget that intimidation, threats and criminal activities are their
trademarks.
In response to the bikers¹ complaints, the department
of justice felt obliged to issue a statement, lest the gang¹s tender
feelings were hurt. The government pledged that it does not intend to
implement any legislation that would infringe on anyone's Charter
rights. The goal of the premier¹s initiative is to ³Šprotect the safety
of Islanders.²
Yes, we must be careful that the Charter rights of
all citizens are respected and protected. And we must avoid any
expensive Charter challenges.
But the Hells Angels are a criminal gang. They won't get too much sympathy around here.
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/opinion/editorials/2017/1/25/outlaw-gangs-given-warning.html
