The Tribune

PM should be commended for bringing forward referendum

EDITOR, The Tribune.
We have had three prime ministers in the history of the Bahamas since
independence. Sir Lynden Pindling was unable to bring the gambling
issue before the people. Hubert Ingraham was not able to bring the
gambling issue before the people. Only Perry Christie has had the
courage to do so. He should be commended for this.
I agree that this process seems a little rushed. But you know what,
nothing is ever perfect. The people know what the issue is. They
have two questions to vote on and they have had enough time to think
about it. Do you support legalising web shops and a National Lottery?
It is as simple as that.
I support both. The government needs the tax dollars and Bahamians
need jobs. Many of the people who say vote no have a job. They don’t
care would happens to the thousands who work in the industry if the web
shops are closed.
Christie has taken a beating for bringing forward this referendum. The
fact that he has been willing to do so in the face of all this
hostility from the church, the opposition and haters everywhere shows
that he is a man of courage.
If the people vote yes, I know Perry Gladstone Christie will have the
courage to pass the bill legalising gambling in the House of Assembly.
I believe if the people vote no, that same Perry Gladstone Christie
will have the courage to shut down the numbers houses.
To my prime minister I say, stay strong. When you dare to address
issues that no one else would touch you pay the price. But remember
prime minister, history will remember you as the man who had the
courage to put the question to the people. It wasn’t Ingraham and it
wasn’t Sir Lynden. My Valley Boy was the one to let the people decide
what they want to do.

MARTHA S GREENE

Nassau,

January 16, 2013.