The Progressive Liberal Party Government brought a bill to parliament to expand gambling in local casinos as a pay off to casino owners, opposition members charged in the House of Assembly yesterday.
House members passed that amendment around 9 o’clock last night. Twenty-three members voted for the measure. The Member of Parliament for High Rock Kenneth Russell voted against it. Opposition Leader in the House of Assembly Alvin Smith abstained and 14 members were absent.
While making his contribution on a Bill to amend the Lotteries and Gaming Act in the House of Assembly Wednesday, Lucaya MP Neko Grant urged PLP MPs to tell the Bahamian people the true beneficiaries of the new legislation.
“After you dance you must pay the piper,” Mr. Grant said. “As of late many ministers no longer travel by scheduled flights, but globe trot on private jets. In such cases, the fuel must be paid for. As a result of wear and tear the airframe must be inspected and maintained, and the engines must also be rebuilt or replaced.”
With this Mr. Grant directed his comments to Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe at which time he questioned the ownership of a private jet recently used by the minister to travel abroad.
“I have noted that the Minister who went to Canada to speak with the Hutchinson group about the flagging of Our Lucaya did so on a private jet,” he said. “But, how much did the Bahamian people pay for the flight, if at all, as there is no such thing as a free ride? Pay me now or pay me later.
“I trust that we will be told who the true beneficiaries of this bill will be. Will it be the Bahamian people or the owner of that private jet used?”
Speaking on a point of order, Minister Wilchcombe noted that the trip in question was arranged by Edward St George and Albert Miller of the Grand Bahama Port Authority and was strictly of a business nature.
Mr. Grant further noted that while the government ultimately seeks to expand casino gambling in the Bahamas , it is a decision he strongly opposes, publicly encouraging all to do likewise.
“Do not support this Bill in Cabinet or at your Parliamentary meetings,” he said. “Show your support by being in this place when the vote is taken. Schedule no meetings. Plan no trips. Be present and vote your conscience for your bishops, pastors, fellow church brothers and sisters and indeed the Bahamas .”
With this, Minister of Public Works, Utilities and Bahamasair, Bradley Roberts accused opposition members of hypocrisy.
“I am bewildered and perplexed when members opposite can get up from their seat and criticize this side when it was in fact the FNM government – Bill # 94 – that brought this Bill to the House and as such left it on the agenda dated March 11, 2002 , he said. Now they wish to get up here and talk foolishness.”
While admitting that this was the case, Mr. Grant maintained that it was instead the PLP government that promised to consult the people. otimise
“They have brought this bill without consultation,” Mr. Grant said. “They have broken their promises.
The Government came to power promising to consult the people but I have heard of no town meetings in New Providence , Grand Bahama nor the other Family Islands , but I am not surprised. This government has adopted a promises made, promises will be broken attitude. After four months, it is clear that this government never intended to keep the promises made.”
Agreeing with the views of his colleague that the government has not consulted Bahamians before moving ahead with plans to introduce pari-mutuel betting in The Bahamas, High Rock MP Kenneth Russell argued that the government should do nothing that will possibly negatively affect the Bahamian people.
“As a Christian nation, we must be conscious of the motives regarding gambling and the negative effects gambling often produces.” Mr. Russell said.o
As far reaching as this Legislation may be to the Lotteries and Gaming Act, a Christian nation should not encourage any activity that we do not approve for our own people. Gambling is associated with greed which ultimately leads to crime and violence.”
While speaking in the House of Assembly Wednesday, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe noted that the introduction of pari-mutuel betting will create new opportunities in casinos, while at the same time enhancing the appeal of the casino business in The Bahamas.
He added that it is vital in the countryﾴs quest to develop a sustained programme for tourism growth and development to fully appreciate the scope of what it will take to bring about resurgence in the tourism product.
The House of Assembly has been adjourned to next Wednesday morning.
By Macushla Pinder, The Bahama Journal
