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
