The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

Tribune Staff Reporter

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

FNM chairman Darron Cash said he respects party veteran Dion Foulkes’ decision to vote for a national lottery.

Nevertheless, he said, this puts Mr Foulkes “out of step” with the party’s views.

The former Minister of Labour and Social Development and one-time FNM deputy leader, said Tuesday on a talk show that he is undecided on the regularisation of web shops but supports a national lottery.

“If managed properly, the profits from the establishment of a national lottery would be a significant amount and can help with the further development of sports, culture and education in our nation,” he said.

In response, Mr Cash said: “Mr Foulkes is an FNM in good standing, a former parliamentarian, a former Cabinet minister, and he – like everybody else – is entitled to his opinion.

“From what I gather in the newspaper, it appears to be a well-considered opinion. It just so happened that his position is out of step with the leadership of the FNM, and it is out of step with the central council of the FNM. But private citizens are free to have their views.”

Although party leader Hubert Minnis would not directly comment on Mr Foulkes’ stance, in a prepared statement he called on those planning on voting for a national lottery to “give yourself a second chance” to vote no.

“I have said on numerous occasions, we do not intend to tell people how to vote. Every Bahamian should be guided by their conscience,” he added.