The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

TROPICAL Storm Isaac put a damper on yesterday’s mock referendum planned by the Progressive Young Liberals inviting all young Bahamians to be part of the debate on gambling.

However, the youth branch group of the Progressive Liberal Party will announce a new date this Wednesday for the ‘Pass or Play’ mock referendum on gambling to be held at the Sir Lynden Pindling Center in Farrington Road.

According to one of its chairmen on the executive board, Christopher Farrington, the forum, aims to get feedback on what young people think.

“It’s a forum about the issue of gambling, whether it should be legalised or not and we’re expecting to have members of parliament available, as well as former cabinet ministers, ministers of the gospel and young people from all walks of the political arena,” he said.

The issue of gambling, web cafes, and a national lottery arose after the May 7 elections as the new government promised to put the choice to Bahamians through a referendum.

The church has been vocal in opposing gambling and Bahamas Christian Council president Dr Ranfurd Patterson and former FNM national security minister Tommy Turnquest have demanded the government make public its stance on gambling.

The PYL chairman said that the forum and mock referendum was not about a party’s position on the issue ‘but that of all young people in general.’

People interested in taking part or who want to know more about the event can contact the chairman of national development and social outreach at 535-8697 or email pyl4plp@gmail.com. Refreshments are expected to be served.