THE GAMING BILL: A BAD BET TO REPAY AN OLD DEBT!
A few days of Parliamentary debate culminated Monday evening, with 
the passage of the government’s gaming legislation during which time 
Bahamians watched as some of their elected officials made a mockery of 
our democratic process by ignoring the results of last year’s gaming 
referendum, while others failed to show up at all.
In the 
wake of what is becoming yet another political snowball for the 
Progressive Liberal Party, the Minister responsible for elections and 
referenda issued what can only be described as a lackluster apology for 
the government’s decision to ignore the will of the people. That 
apology, comes several months too late and reeks of political 
manipulation. A government truly apologetic about this decision would 
abide by the results of the referendum as the Prime Minister previously 
committed to.
During his contribution to the debate, the 
Prime Minister called the finalized legislation the result of months of 
effort, and focused dialogue with the relevant stakeholders. He further 
intimated that the legislation was designed to, as he put it, “engender 
public confidence” in the gaming sector. Sadly to say, the Prime 
Minister has failed on both fronts.
Clearly, the response 
from the church and other sectors of the country disproves the PM’s 
assertion that he truly listened to the dissenting voice on this issue. 
Instead, it suggests a desire to repay the web shop owners the reported 
millions contributed to the PLP’s election campaign and further 
highlights the utter 
DISTRUST that Bahamians feel toward this administration.
Even
 more egregious however, was the posture taken by this PLP government 
against the Church. After years of courting the country’s religious 
leaders and their parishioners the PLP’s hostile response to criticisms 
from the church was not only unnecessary, but also ill advised; 
particularly during a time where the many social ills facing the nation 
will require the assistance of ALL NON GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES – 
especially the church –to help improve the lives of Bahamians.
There
 is an old proverb which says: “In a Bet, there is a fool and a thief”. 
The government’s gaming legislation has attempted to make fools of the 
voting public in this country; and has again shed light on the 
corruption and dishonesty which have become hallmarks of the PLP’s term 
in office.
As described by the church, the government’s 
actions constitute a direct attack on the foundation of this country’s 
democracy. Their continued disregard for the will of the people is bound
 to backfire for this Christie administration.
Branville McCartney
DNA Leader - September 17, 2014
