THE ORGANISERS of the gas price demonstrations cannot continue to pretend that they are peaceful picnics of people protest. Not in the face of at least eight deaths, multiple roadblocks, fires, looting, and wanton mayhem.

The disclaimer offered by the Opposition leadership about criminal intrusion is no longer credible. Blocking a road is itself a criminal act; and that act of protest is the single most effective means of paralysing activity across the island. And roadblocks are staging points of fires, and for criminal extortion of tolls from motorists who have to use the roadways.

The Prime Minister has finally spoken; but has offered only the slightest glimmer of a possible review of the fuel tax. The Opposition Leader's response draws the line in the sand; in effect, roll-back, or else!

It would seem that room for compromise has to come from other leadership, leaders who can eschew the prospects of political benefit. The business community may be the most appropriate to provide that leadership. It is closest to the sector on which the prolonged impasse will wreak most damage.

And then there is scope for moral suasion from the Church which can appeal to those segments of protest born of real anger and suffering in the society.

Taking sides on the tax question at this stage may be futile. The most pressing concern is to halt the mayhem and the violence. The people's anger has been vented in peaceful and in damaging ways; but the toll has passed the point of diminishing returns.

The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner.