FNM leader says he will vote ‘yes’ to gambling

By Travis Cartwright-Carroll
Guardian Staff Reporter
travis@nasguard.com

Nassau, The Bahamas

Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis indicated yesterday that he will vote in favor of legalizing gambling if the government holds a referendum on the issue.

The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has pledged that within the first 100 days of its administration it would hold a referendum on gambling.

“I have nothing against individuals gambling in terms of lottery buying, numbers etc,” the newly elected party leader said.

Minnis was a guest on the Guardian Radio talk show Darold Miller Live.

His comments are sure to attract sharp criticism from those opposed to legalized gambling, or, gambling in any form.

“I just feel that it should be done in the proper legalized manner,” he added.

“How it’s done today is of no benefit to the Bahamian people. Individuals may benefit temporarily but in the long run they lose.

“It must be regularized, it must be done in such a way that the country, be it the educational system, the health system, whatever, there must be benefit for the people.

“I do not agree with how it’s being done today but personally I do not have a problem with it; but I don’t gamble, I don’t buy the lotto, I don’t buy numbers.”

But Minnis added quickly that he could not “speak for my colleagues”.

“A lot of my colleagues were in favor of legalizing gambling and I think with time my party would have moved forward with legalizing it.

“You cannot have an illegal event continue within a country. What message are you sending out to the public? What message are you sending out when you cannot control systems or institutions within your country? But we will watch and monitor to ensure that we have proper regulations, and to ensure that the people benefit.”

Then Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham revealed in 2010 that there was widespread support within his administration to legalize gambling but never put the issue to a referendum.

However, members of the Bahamas Christian Council (BCC) have said they do not support gambling in any form.

President of the BCC Rev. Dr. Ranford Patterson said the church stands “diametrically opposed” to gambling and will do everything within its power to make that position known.

Bishop Neil Ellis of Mount Tabor Full Gospel Baptist Church last week urged members of the Christian community to “stand firmly” in opposition to the government’s planned referendum on gambling so that “there would not be blood on our hands” if it is ultimately passed.

May 30, 2012

thenassauguardian