The debate over "legalising" what already operates with the sanction of the the government and many in society seems trite at this point.
While I am a firm believer that individuals should be allowed to spend their hard earned money however they wish, without a referendum to change the Constitution as it relates to gambling and women's rights is like abolishing slavery except for ships arriving or departing the port of Bristol, as a friend put it recently.
In other words it's all making a mockery of us as a people.
And then for the Prime Minister and Junior Minister of National Security to suggest that if the public votes no higher taxes and crime will result would be laughable if not for the seriousness of the matter.
These comments, coupled with reports that Mr. Perry Christie (PLP), Prime Minister "has questioned why the vote-no campaign is taking issue with the first referendum question when they had the opportunity to personally speak with him on the question prior to its release," while he says the march for the vote yes campaign is an expression of democracy are simply astounding.
The governments intention then, writ large, is to proceed in favour of the gaming houses, while leaving the barn door open for the ships to and from the port of Bristol on what many consider more serious matters.
And with defcits of more than $500 million becoming the norm, the estimated $20 million in taxes from gambling houses is a drop in the bucket.
Remember, the PM calls this deepening democracy?
Does any of this really make a difference ? Why not have a referendum on hanging & if it passes get on with it.From what I can see,anything else is a complete waste of time & money.They are going to tax us all to death anyway.
More amazing is the fact that while not an official referendum, just a public poll administered by the Government, the rules under the offical voting process are being administered ie paid time allowance by employer for employees to vote!
The whole exercise is bass ackwards, in that the Bahamians being allowed to lawfully gamble is properly dealt with via Judicial review, within thin the constitutional frame.
The second issue perhaps is the creation of a national lottery, properly handled by referendum.
The third issue, “numbers houses or Web Cafes” is the issue fraught with push but danger.
It is unlawful, the proceeds from same are “ill gotten gains” and could be considered Govt Money laundering if same should be overnight “washed” in this exercise.
Seems someone needs to go back to square one and read up on their own legitimacy re: Governance.
All these thinly veiled threats, like Taxes up “if’ or Police can’t cope with crime “if” Etc Etc.
One of the primary responsibilities of ANY Government is Law enforcement.
Tripe.
But, we seem to be swallowing it hook line and sinker!
Who is running this country and on who’s behalf??
Your answer Ludicrous.. The country is being run by and for the political elitist class made up of jaded politicians and the swollen government bureaucracy.. We have a government full of worthless consultants, a bunch of hacks who are political appointees and a useless and unproductive bureaucracy.. This so-called elitist class plays on the public with all kinds of campaign promises in order to be elected.. These are only empty promises which will never be fulfilled.. For the elitist class its “all for me baby” and the public be damned..