ONE would have to be a hermit in a cave not to be aware of the fact that wagering on the numbers is a national pastime. It's widely available throughout almost all parts of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
Tickets for the lotteries in the USA are also widely available. I understand that a wager on the numbers can be made online. Anyway I suspect that most of the readers of this column probably know more about the subject than I do.
The question that therefore arises is why have not these activities been legalized with the result that they would make a contribution to the revenue. There is no doubt that the revenue is needed. There is also no doubt that the majority of Bahamians find these activities acceptable. There should also be little doubt that the authorities tolerate these activities because they take place in the open and are not stopped. We should also remember that throughout history governments have failed whenever they have tried to legislate morality.
Conventional wisdom informs us that should any government move to legalize the numbers or lottery business there would be an outcry from most churches. Notwithstanding the fact that their members participate in these activities. The solution maybe to put the question to a referendum so as to avoid it being a political football. It is really a social issue. We should also remember that a law which is ignored by most citizens and which the authorities, over an extended period of time, have chosen to ignore as well, has no moral authority. Possibly it may not have any legal authority because I suspect it is illegal to only selectively enforce any law.
The time has come to legalize these activities. The people have spoken with their wagers. If that is not a case of the people putting their money where their mouth is, I don't know what is.
February 24, 2012
tribune242
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Showing posts with label lottery Bahamas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lottery Bahamas. Show all posts
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Pastor Glen Rolle on The Legalisation of Gambling in The Bahamas
Legalisation of gambling in The Bahamas
By PASTOR GLEN ROLLE
Hillside Restoration Centre
Kingdom Ministries:
By far the most talked about issue is the legalisation of lottery in the Bahamas locally referred to as the "Number House" or "The Web Shop."
When the Number Houses outnumber the churches and the bars, you know they must be saying something.
For weeks some of my friends have asked me my perspective on the issue and quite frankly I do have one, but I know they wanted me to give a simple yes or no answer; am I for it or against it?
They will say "Glen if you were in government you would have to take a position" and yes they are right. Thankfully however I am not a member of a political party and therefore can be more deliberate in my resolve to address this issue or at best give a perspective.
One of the primary reasons I am hesitant to engage in this debate is because referees are usually advised to stay out of the middle of blows or fights, particularly if they involve two heavy weights.
How dare I have a view when those who govern the state have decided to take a certain course in respect to further develop that which they have a sense of ownership to govern? For them this issue is not about the legalisation of the gambling. IT'S ALREADY A DONE DEAL.
Remember, they are the ones that administor and determine the law by which the nation will be governed. No amount of vision, aggressiveness or self ambition of any law enforcement agency can rise above the lid from which they have been placed under.
Forget the fact that most of the top leaders in our Law Enforcement Agency are intelligent and trained, most of whom are saddled with various degrees. Their action at the end of the day is predicated or determined by the degree to which legislation is structured and so in our existing system of governance, eyes and vision are not necessarily a prerequisite for transformation.
There was a very strange statement made to Pilot in his trial with Jesus..."IF YOU RELEASE HIM YOU ARE NOT A FRIEND OF CEASAR"... THE SYSTEM IS NOT DESIGNED TO RELEASE THOSE TO THEIR FULL AUTHORITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENTS SIMPLY ENFORCE THE LAWS and as far as we are aware, agencies of government act on behalf of some minister of government. By extension the government or the state has already determined that the places from which number houses or web shops operate have a legal, legitimate license to do so.
Therefore, these Number Shops have a footing in our land. They are issued a license from which they can do business. No law enforcement agency can legitimately rise above that lid and not appear to be in violation of the state. "IF YOU RELEASE HIM YOU ARE NOT A FRIEND OF CEASAR."
This is the system from which we operate. We don't have a people problem, we don't have a competency problem, we don't have a commitment problem, but we are locked by a system that is designed to subject us as a people.
Having said that, I did mention that my friends would inquire of my perspective. My answers at best may be vague, or in some cases I would ask of them a question, and should they give an answer you can rest assure a debate without resolve will be the end result.
That in, and of itself, suggests that this issue may not be as easy as we think. For on one hand, how do you say to the state that they have no business finding means that may be beneficial to the development of its people, and yet on the other hand how do the voices of the religious body stand by idly and not raise objection to the legalisation of something that contradicts their core belief system; the very same legalisation which will bring damnation and rob us of the stewardship and work ethic and creativity that thriving communities need.
This is a cop out, an insult to the emerging generation, they will argue. As for me there can be no successful argument against this expressed view, and after all they too are the custodians of what is morally correct and acceptable.
To further complicate this matter who amongst us will raise an objection to a donor that gives some $100,000 (one hundred thousand dollars) to victims who would have suffered the effects of a devastating Hurricane. After all those with the moral authority were not prepared to play a matching game, and so one can see why this is a fight between the two heavy weights.
Those who are responsible for the administration of the law, and from whom we look to for sustenance, and those on the other hand who feel that laws for the land ought to originate and be a reflection of those that are determined by the moral authority.
Who can argue against the right and wrong of the position of these two giants? Sometimes referees continue without interference and hope they are both saved by the bell and keep in mind that they both mean well.
May 20, 2010
tribune242
By PASTOR GLEN ROLLE
Hillside Restoration Centre
Kingdom Ministries:
By far the most talked about issue is the legalisation of lottery in the Bahamas locally referred to as the "Number House" or "The Web Shop."
When the Number Houses outnumber the churches and the bars, you know they must be saying something.
For weeks some of my friends have asked me my perspective on the issue and quite frankly I do have one, but I know they wanted me to give a simple yes or no answer; am I for it or against it?
They will say "Glen if you were in government you would have to take a position" and yes they are right. Thankfully however I am not a member of a political party and therefore can be more deliberate in my resolve to address this issue or at best give a perspective.
One of the primary reasons I am hesitant to engage in this debate is because referees are usually advised to stay out of the middle of blows or fights, particularly if they involve two heavy weights.
How dare I have a view when those who govern the state have decided to take a certain course in respect to further develop that which they have a sense of ownership to govern? For them this issue is not about the legalisation of the gambling. IT'S ALREADY A DONE DEAL.
Remember, they are the ones that administor and determine the law by which the nation will be governed. No amount of vision, aggressiveness or self ambition of any law enforcement agency can rise above the lid from which they have been placed under.
Forget the fact that most of the top leaders in our Law Enforcement Agency are intelligent and trained, most of whom are saddled with various degrees. Their action at the end of the day is predicated or determined by the degree to which legislation is structured and so in our existing system of governance, eyes and vision are not necessarily a prerequisite for transformation.
There was a very strange statement made to Pilot in his trial with Jesus..."IF YOU RELEASE HIM YOU ARE NOT A FRIEND OF CEASAR"... THE SYSTEM IS NOT DESIGNED TO RELEASE THOSE TO THEIR FULL AUTHORITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENTS SIMPLY ENFORCE THE LAWS and as far as we are aware, agencies of government act on behalf of some minister of government. By extension the government or the state has already determined that the places from which number houses or web shops operate have a legal, legitimate license to do so.
Therefore, these Number Shops have a footing in our land. They are issued a license from which they can do business. No law enforcement agency can legitimately rise above that lid and not appear to be in violation of the state. "IF YOU RELEASE HIM YOU ARE NOT A FRIEND OF CEASAR."
This is the system from which we operate. We don't have a people problem, we don't have a competency problem, we don't have a commitment problem, but we are locked by a system that is designed to subject us as a people.
Having said that, I did mention that my friends would inquire of my perspective. My answers at best may be vague, or in some cases I would ask of them a question, and should they give an answer you can rest assure a debate without resolve will be the end result.
That in, and of itself, suggests that this issue may not be as easy as we think. For on one hand, how do you say to the state that they have no business finding means that may be beneficial to the development of its people, and yet on the other hand how do the voices of the religious body stand by idly and not raise objection to the legalisation of something that contradicts their core belief system; the very same legalisation which will bring damnation and rob us of the stewardship and work ethic and creativity that thriving communities need.
This is a cop out, an insult to the emerging generation, they will argue. As for me there can be no successful argument against this expressed view, and after all they too are the custodians of what is morally correct and acceptable.
To further complicate this matter who amongst us will raise an objection to a donor that gives some $100,000 (one hundred thousand dollars) to victims who would have suffered the effects of a devastating Hurricane. After all those with the moral authority were not prepared to play a matching game, and so one can see why this is a fight between the two heavy weights.
Those who are responsible for the administration of the law, and from whom we look to for sustenance, and those on the other hand who feel that laws for the land ought to originate and be a reflection of those that are determined by the moral authority.
Who can argue against the right and wrong of the position of these two giants? Sometimes referees continue without interference and hope they are both saved by the bell and keep in mind that they both mean well.
May 20, 2010
tribune242
Thursday, June 30, 2005
National Lottery for The Bahamas Later rather than Sooner
The Introduction of a National Lottery is not on the Front Burner in The Bahamas
Study Completed On Nat’l Lottery
By Candia Dames
Nassau, The Bahamas
30th June 2005
The Gaming Board has completed a report on the feasibility of a national lottery, but its Chairman Kenyatta Gibson indicated on Tuesday that it’s not something that’s likely to become a reality anytime soon.
"We’ve looked at it, with regards to the introduction of a national lottery," he told The Bahama Journal. "That report for all intense and purposes is completed, and soon as we make it available to Cabinet, we would thereafter come and let the general public know exactly what’s going on with it."
But he said, "That’s not an issue on the table right now in any event, and I think once the time comes for the nation to deal with it, we would deal with it in earnest."
It is no secret though that Mr. Gibson is a strong supporter of a national lottery.
He has in the past pointed out that The Florida Lottery conservatively estimates that US$100 million is spent every year by Bahamians playing the Florida Lottery.
"This is money that we can keep here in The Bahamas," Mr. Gibson has said.
He has also suggested that the taxes from a national lottery could be used to fund universal free tertiary education for every qualified student.
In matters as contentious as this one, the most qualified forum to decide definitively on the issue must be the people, Mr. Gibson said in one of his speeches to the House of Assembly where he touched on the issue.
"On moral issues such as these, national referenda are necessary to discuss, assimilate and decide on various courses of action that must be taken on the gaming issue," he said. "I believe that governance, real true democratic governance, is about adhering to the will of the people…The Bahamas cannot be standoffish."
Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe, who is responsible for gaming, also supports the introduction of a national lottery.
He has already revealed that 60 percent of the adult population of The Bahamas spends anywhere from $1.8 million to $2 million both locally and abroad on games of chance each week, and that there are at least 45 illegal gambling houses in New Providence and 12 in Grand Bahama.
"Our choices are very clear," Minister Wilchcombe has said. "We must either strengthen the penalties for this illegal activity or we must find the formula to introduce a national lottery."
Mr. Gibson said on Tuesday that he expects that the new report will soon be made public.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)