The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement acting chairman Darron Cash called on the government to stop its “rushed plans” to hold its gambling referendum on December 3, so that the public could be better educated on the issue before voting.

In a statement Mr Cash claimed Prime Minister Christie chose to ignore the advice of religious and civic leaders and move forward with the referendum this year.

He said: “The FNM continues to express its strong disapproval of this rushed initiative.

“The FNM firmly believes that there needs to be deliberate and engaging dialogue between the government and the Bahamian citizenry that would demonstrate the impact of legalising web shop gambling.

“Our party believes that then, and only then, and only then will this enable the citizenry to make an informed decision.”

Mr Cash said it was “unacceptable” for the government to ask the public to vote, Yes or No to the legalisation of web shops and then provide details later.

He also said the FNM did not believe that the PLP had no opinion on web shop gaming.

“The government insists that they have no position on the issue. According to the PM, his government and party have a position of “complete neutrality.” The Free National Movement does not believe him. In his communication, the Prime Minister clearly outlines many of the possible benefits of legalised web shops, while conveniently glossing over the potentially significant negative effects. It seems unlikely that his government would invest such time and energy in this referendum if they did not strongly support its passage. The FNM believes that the PLP Government is insulting the Bahamian people’s intelligence,” he said.

Mr Cash also called on the Prime Minister to release the full finding and related documents received from the UK based international specialists. He also accused the PLP of discriminating against Bahamian citizens.

“Bahamians in increasing numbers clearly want to be able to patronise the established casinos in the major hotels throughout The Bahamas. While the proposed legalisation of web shop gambling will permit Bahamians to gamble in those over the hill establishments, Bahamians continue to be offended that the Christie government still does not see them as worthy of being able to gamble and associate with the “good” people who patronise the hotel casinos,” Mr Cash said.

“The FNM believes that serious consideration should be given to this issue.

“Nothing less should be expected from a government that beats its chest as believing in Bahamians. As the Prime Minister has stated, Bahamians will continue to be second class citizens in their own country “for the indefinite future.”

Mr Cash said the government needs to postpone the referendum until more information is given to the public.