Bahamians will be forced to answer two important questions in this year’s upcoming referendum on gambling: Do you support the regulation and taxation or web shops? Do you support the establishment of a National Lottery?
These questions were addressed during a national address from Bernard Nottage, Minister of National Security. Mr. Nottage wants to assure voters that the PLP is committed to providing details and information regarding the referendum.
Referendum procedures will be similar to the voting process in the General Election, with three observers per polling station to ensure the fairness of the process, with at least two persons representing the views of those members of the public interested in the “yes” and “no” vote.
Last year, Prime Minister Perry Christie confirmed the government’s intention to proceed with a referendum following the North Abaco by-election.
The referendum will ask Bahamians, point-blank, whether or not a National Lottery should be instituted and whether web shops should be regulated, licensed and taxed.
“This referendum is an opportunity for you to be heard on the issue of whether you support the regulation and taxation of web shop gaming,” Mr. Nottage said, “and whether you support the establishment of a National Lottery.
Bahamians who were eligible to vote in the May 7, 2012 General Election can vote in the referendum. Persons who turned 18 after May 7 and all other eligible Bahamians who have not yet registered can still do so. The voters register will close on January 10, 2012. Anyone not registered by then will not be eligible to vote.
On Monday, January 21, an advanced poll, inclusive of overseas voting, will take place. Qualified persons who want to vote in the advance poll either as an overseas voter or a special voter have until Thursday, January 10, to submit the relevant completed application form to the Parliamentary Commissioner. Special voters include election officials, those who on referendum day are likely to be hospitalised, undergoing medical attention etc.
“The government of the Bahamas encourages all Bahamians to exercise their right, to express their views freely,” Mr. Nottage said, “to conduct themselves peacefully and to be tolerant of the views of others.”
Earlier today, Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes issued an order for the gaming referendum to be held on Monday, January 28, 2013.