Any decision to act against the thousands of Bahamians who voted “no” to legalising numbers in the Bahamas is “political suicide”, according to an influential religious leader yesterday.
Lyall Bethel, pastor of the Grace Community Church, urged Prime Minister Perry Christie to draft and table a collection of Bills for Parliament that would allow the government to confiscate the finances accumulated through playing numbers.
The funds, Mr Bethel suggested, could be used to improve conditions of inner city communities and assist families affected by the recession.
His comments come as public debate has been reignited over how the government should approach the illegal industry, especially since a new taxation system, VAT is set to be imposed upon Bahamians on July 1.
Mr Bethel said: “I don’t want him to feel as though he is under attack, but the Prime Minister must have the strength to control the reigns of governance. If he succeeds we all succeed, if he fails we all fail.
“The results of the referendum cannot and should not be dismissed. People got up and out of their homes, caught the a bus or drove and went to the polls to vote. It cannot be glossed over the people have spoken. It is foolish and political suicide to go against what the people want.
“Since then the number houses have proliferated. We call on the Prime Minister to heed the voice of the people.
