By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
A ROW broke out on a radio talk show between two pastors over their differences in opinion on the upcoming vote on gambling.
For more than 30 minutes, Pastor Mario Moxey of the Bahamas Harvest Church and former New Covenant Baptist Church Pastor Simeon Hall faced off over comments that Hall found offensive.
Moxey told listeners early on during the Darold Miller Live Show that those pastors who had recently come to the fore in support of the ‘vote yes’ campaign were by his books ‘renegades.’
Both Bishop Hall and Pastor Philip McPhee are among several other influential pastors who have lauded the government for its efforts to regulate the numbers industry.
Pastor Moxey said: “My comment was because there has been so much of a departure from the norm and the man of God that I know him [Simeon Hall] to be a man of God that has led so many charges in this country that
has always stood for righteousness.
“When I heard his position, unlike many others, I was not angry, I was disappointed and I was hurt. I was hurt because I have always seen him as a mentor.”
However, Bishop Hall, not long after the comments hit the airwaves called the show to defend himself against Moxey’s comments.
The Bishop said: “It really doesn’t matter what you say because I know who I am. I have done about 5,000 public utterances over 45 years and if you had felt that way about me you could have called me and we could have talked.
“I’ve said I don’t gamble. I don’t play numbers. I don’t invite anyone to do so. I wish it were not a part of our culture, but people are referencing this referendum as if it will begin gambling. But gambling has been here from back in the 60s.
“All I am saying is I believe that the government has a right to put it to the people and every Bahamaian has a right to say yes or no. My position is I believe that a yes vote will correct what has been going on for 70 or 80 years.
“Either we eliminate it all together or we regulate it.”
McPhee later called the show to chastise Moxey who he said had led a campaign demonising pastors who were proponents of legalised gambling.
Pastor McPhee said: “I think it’s time for us to realise that this fight is not about pastors or churches. I hope that we could take the upper road and stop degrading pastors and leaders on public radio. If you notice the ‘yes’ campaign has never at one time degraded any pastor or leader of the church or anyone.
“I don’t start fights but I certainly know how to end them please let’s keep this above board because we don’t need this to get to the valley gutter thing. He is no more saved than I am. He’s no more morally right than I am.”
Voter registration for the January 28 gambling referendum has officially closed. As of Wednesday, there were 172,895 Bahamians on the register.
Comments
John 11 years, 11 months ago
Back in the day ppl (B A H A M I A N S) knew how to behave in public! a married couple could have had the stinkest row behind close doors, but when they reach out in public they put on that "nice to see you face' aka happiest married couple ever..and some talk show hosts (females included ) need to know when to apply the brakes and just not say anything that the devil even, puts on their tongue..(hint: children may be listening "Love") THey claim they want to "fix' thi country ut they pulling at every lil thread wat holdingit (BAHAMAs) together...now and in these days even if the gold fish poop it makes the headlines..Everyone needs to stop jockeyin for the spotlight and go back to the 10 commandments..wait..lemme see which one of them change! John 3:16
John 11 years, 11 months ago
But even if I was a gambler, someone who buy number, I dont think I would vote "yes" in the referandum. It is one thing for me to go and buy numbers for myself,and sin for my own self. to be a gamer myself, but it is another thing for me to put my name on a register, inindellible (unerasable ink), to say it is ok to gamble (especially if i is a man of the cloth. What happens if i get converted down the road I will still be responsible for having a law pass what say gambling is legal in the Bahamas...for generations to come! sending thousands of people, some yet unborn down the road to hell! I rather NOt vote than to vote 'yes"
harri 11 years, 11 months ago
My position is I believe that a yes vote will correct what has been going on for 70 or 80 years. This is Pastor Hall's quote....
So, he is for gambling!!! Whether he does it or not!
C_MonMan 11 years, 11 months ago
As someone who has looked up to Rev Hall, I am deeply disappointed in Rev. Hall. Rev Hall, has a right to his views and opinions, however, as a public figure, role model and pastor he also has an obligation to ensure that his views are not inconsistent with established moral or rational precepts. Rev Hall's defense of a "yes" vote as noted above is not only irrational but also morally irresponsible.
TalRussell 11 years, 11 months ago
You can tell when the 'Vote Yes' campaign is losing ground when in the closing days leading up to the vote on January 28, 2013 the renegade preacher pundits for the numbers "bosses" are speeding up they talk, and although they keep preaching that the "Vote Yes' numbers "bosses" will win the day with but a "simple majority," I got news for them. Despite the millions spent in gold it may not be enough to ensure a win for PM Christie's "Thing.
Well Comrades them renegade preachers is going find out that come January 28, 2013, they're go'in be proven to have misjudged the mood of the natives, just like they were in stepping forward to promote the interests of the numbers "bosses."
.Yet, my dear Comrades if you, your family members, friends, fellow church members, neighbors, teachers, colleagues, doctors, policemen, union members, business associates are not encouraged by you to stand up united against the well financed forces and the "far reaching influences" of the numbers "bosses," they will indeed win the vote on January 28, 2013, if PM Christie does not cancel the vote before then, and all they need to wn is to win by a "simple majority" of votes cast.
Comrades in and outside of our churches to stop them you too "must" get in the game right now. It's never to late to lend your support help and the 'Vote NO' campaign needs your support today. You business owners best you rush some immediate cash and offer to loan your many physical asset to the "vote No' campaign.
Comrades it is by intentional design that PM Christie's "Thing" requires but a simple majority of votes for a slim win that will protect the numbers "possess" own financial interests, and i believe they are counting on enough of you to sit idle on your damn hands and say nothing and do nothing to stop them winning, come the vote on January 28, 2013?
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2013…
Oracle 11 years, 11 months ago
Bishop Hall in this instance has brought his own character into REPUTE...no One Else....he has exposed himself to the world...as said above.... let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged....Why do the heathen rage Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.....Why the big noise, nations? Why the mean plots, peoples? Earth-leaders push for position, Demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks, The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers: “Let’s get free of God! Cast loose from Messiah!” Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing. At first he’s amused at their presumption; Then he gets good and angry. Furiously, he shuts them up: Psalms 2
Oracle 11 years, 11 months ago
Bahamians when you decide on Referendum Day it is not about PLP, FNM or DNA....It’s NOT ABOUT CHRISTIAN OR SINNER…..It is not about the Short-term Benefits and Pleasure people believe they will enjoy by being Free to Do whatever they feel, by feeling they are Equal to the Foreigners who enjoys gambling at our casinos which "you" may feel should be Everybody's right. It isn't about EVERYBODY WINNING for NO WAY Is it LOGICALLY Possible for EVERYBODY TO WIN for in order for One TO WIN, ONE/ANOTHER/MANY MUST LOSE...It isn't about whether the Bible Says it’s a SIN or not but EVERYBODY has a judgment day coming for which they must answer for their sins whether they believe it was a sin or not. .......WHAT IT IS ABOUT ....is the FUTURE OF YOUR CHILDREN, Their Health Physical, Mental and Emotional.....Parents, Future Parents, Grandparents, uncles, aunts, brother, sister IT IS ABOUT THE LEGACY YOU WILL LEAVE? Please VOTE FOR INACTION WILLNOT EXCUSE YOU!!! VOTE RESPONSIBLE for YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE …This is your LEGACY…YOU WILL BE LEGEND!!!
As for me...I WILL VOTE NO...because this doesn't address the economic problem of this nation. We are foolish told about the 10-30million for the government...people THINK that is the 10-30 million YOU THE BAHAMIAN PEOPLE ARE ALREADY EARNING...they ARENOT BRINGING NEW MONEY into the country. Second, if PARENTS TAKE the 10-30 Million that is IN THEIR POCKET along with their TIME they can provide their children with First Class education and guidance to be PRODUCTIVE, Positively Contributing Citizen, a first step in addressing crime. Third, crime, lawlessness is RAMPART in this country; these must first be addressed legislatively, societally and proactively. Fourthly, this government has yet to address concerns of accountability in the governmental system...how do they envision they will be able to collect the revenue alluded to with the decaying, corrupt and inadequate system of bureaucracy we currently have......Fifth, if we set a precedent that you conduct illegal activity in the Bahamas with complete immunity once the government can get a piece of the pie are we not opening the doorway for other criminal vices e.g. Legalization of Marijuana, Legalization of Drug Smuggling, Legalization of Gun Running, Legalization of Prostitution, Acceptance of devices that destroys families including wife beating, child neglect, child abandonment....people the list go on...WHAT WILL BE YOUR LEGACY>>>>WHAT WILL BE YOUR LEGEND?
TalRussell 11 years, 11 months ago
Comrades rather than take these four pastors seriously let's poke fun at the way they dance around why they really are talk'in pundits for the 'vote Yes' campaign.
Comrades we can cast Comrade Preacher Simeon in the role as the Ralph Krampton of the 'Vote Yes' campaign as the bus driver, cause he sure as hell loves drive them rich numbers "bosses" campaign bus around we Nassau Town?
I ain't never seen the good Bishop dance but if he does dance this is the way I'd picture him a dancing along with his other tree Comrade preachers?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=appujQo5…
boldtruth 11 years, 11 months ago
I applaud Bishop Hall and McPhee. They have the courage to tell people the truth. I applaud Miles Munroe, who does not personally support gambling, but has told persons to VOTE THEIR CONSCIENCE. These NO pastors are hypocrites like the Scribes and Pharisees trying to control the people for their own personal gain. They are spending soooooo much money trying to bully and manipulate the public in voting no when they should be using that money to fulfil the mandate of the church - that is to WIN SOULS AND HELP THE POOR! May God have mercy on all of them as they are full of pride and flesh!
C_MonMan 11 years, 11 months ago
Do You really believe that?
boldtruth 11 years, 11 months ago
Absolutely! Am I wrong the purpose and objectives of the church? Am I wrong about the use of the church members money? Am I wrong in the abuse of the Jewish elders as described in the bible?
JohnDoe 11 years, 11 months ago
In that case then, respectfully, it would seem to me that you are then at least as hypocritical as you claim these Pastors to be. In your infinite wisdom, you have not only defined for the Pastors what the Church's mandate, purpose and objectives should be but you have also prescribed how they should spend their money. If this is about freedom of choice, then should they also not have a right to choose 'No".
jackbnimble 11 years, 11 months ago
The good part about living in a democratic society is we all have the right to make our own choice. If we are smart... and I believe we are.... noone will persuade us to vote outside of our conscience especially the vote yes or vote no "pastors". By now I believe that most of us have already decided. Both sides are wasting money. This is not an election campaign. Bahamians are too smart for that.
vigilant_citizen 11 years, 11 months ago
The Bahamian people are like an Elephant restrained with a rope and spike. In the words of Bob Marley we must "Free ourselves from mental slavery". With this thought in mind I've tried to look at this situation as objectively as possibly however I've heard arguments that if gambling is legalized we might as well legalize murder and robbery attempting to draw a line between apples and oranges or more so attempting to taint the public's view on legalization. And worst there are many people like user: John who would hypocritically vote no, even if they were willfully engaging in the activity and everyone else in this country who would criticize and attack Pastor Hall for his freedom of speech and opinion. The sad part about all of this is that for a large portion of our population believe that by legalizing numbers we will create an addiction for our people. The truth however shows that those persons who would be addicted already are and the effort placed into the vote no campaign should be used to fund programs to guide those persons to a healthy balance in their life.
The campaign is not one of religious beliefs or morality but instead one of the rights of the people of The Bahamas. 40+ years ago it was thought that the Bahamian people should not and as such was made so that they could not gamble within our own country. However tourist are free to do what they want. It has always been evident that foreigners retained more rights and privileges within the Bahamas but the question is why? Why should the government and LEAST OF ALL the church dictate to me or you or any Bahamian how we should spend our money to the point of making it legally reprehensible. There has been zero cases of prohibition working throughout history and this prohibition on gambling has been failing for many years. Each year a new number house opens up to capitalize on this booming marking now that there is a push for legality. But even when it was illegal there were number men on the block taking numbers from everyone, church goers, policemen, lawyers and teachers. Blocking this referendum would only drive the number houses back underground where the possibility of taxing its earnings and using it as extra revenue for the good of this country can never happen. By opening up this possibility we as Bahamians may have other opportunities to excel. Take for instance the game of Poker, internationally recognized and respected but yet if we were to host a tournament no locals may enter despite how skilled they may be. And this is a shame. We as Bahamians and citizens of the World must move away from this linear thinking and see the big picture and realize that not everything that is illegal is right because just a short time it was illegal for black men and women to vote or own property.
C_MonMan 11 years, 11 months ago
There are significant breaks in the reasoning that holds your arguments together. You may want to edit your post to fix these.
vigilant_citizen 11 years, 11 months ago
Such as?
jackbnimble 11 years, 11 months ago
People keep referring to the issue of foreigners having more rights than Bahamians in our own country but we fail to see that this is not a legalisation of gambling but a legalisation of number houses. At the end of the day the tourists are still not coming to the number houses and the Bahamians still won't be allowed to gamble in the casinos. Therefore the issue of gambling is still not addressed. Just the issue of being able to buy numbers and somehow we think that because with the legalisation of web shops, we can access the casinos online, we will now be on par with the foreigners. This is not true. Our black selves can still not go into the casinos and everybody does not win, just the numbers boys. Think about it!
vigilant_citizen 11 years, 11 months ago
OH I understand this point completely. My statements merely leads to state that this is a step in the right direction. The issue of casino gambling may be addressed at a later date, however the action of legalizing numbers sets precedence for the legalization of gambling across the board for Bahamian citizens.
hugo_vlad 11 years, 5 months ago
I am not sure what you say! I will http://www.yachtbooker.de/Landeshinweis…">read more about this subject and I will be back with reviews.
BahamasGamingAssociation 10 years, 5 months ago
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bahamas-…
WHICH ON OF THE BELOW REIGNS SUPREME IN THE BAHAMAS?
The Bahamas Lottery and Gaming Act Chapter 387 Section 50 Persons prohibited from Gaming
Or
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas Chapter III – Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedom of the Individual. Section 26 Protection from Discrimination on grounds of Race, Place of Origin etc.
The Bahamas Gaming Association stands by the Ideology that all human beings who are 18 years or older should be treated equally in all sectors of the Bahamian Economy which is enshrined in the Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
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