The Tribune

VOTE Yes coordinator Theresa Moxey Ingraham urged voters yesterday to put political allegiances aside and vote their conscience.

Mrs Moxey Ingraham made her comments during an address to the nation hours before thousands of voters take to the polls to participate in the gaming referendum.

She said the numbers business has become a multi-million dollar industry that employs thousands of Bahamians.

“It is indirectly responsible for thousands of spin off jobs and million of dollars are paid to the government and many charities.

“However numbers operators risk having their businesses shut down and the millions of dollars they invested in software and hardware and even their cash confiscated,” she said.

“Everyday thousands of workers are concerned about the possibility that their workplace will be interrupted or even terminated. Everyday decent law-abiding citizens minding their own business, spending their own money, harming nobody run the risk of being caught in a police raid and being hauled off before the courts for participating in an activity that is enjoyed everywhere else in the world.”

Mrs Moxey-Ingraham also dispelled rumours that only the number bosses would benefit from a yes vote. She also said the time has come to regulate gambling and bring the businesses out of the shadows.

“Webshop owners and operators are ready. They have been up front and transparent both with the former administration who began this process as well as this present administration who is moving the discussion forward,” she said.

“They have shared their information and have demonstrated once again their willingness to have the industry regulated and taxed. They understand that in a regulated environment they will have to abide by the law. They are also willing to regulate the wealth and expand Bahamian ownership. The workers are also ready and deserve to be regarded with respect and dignity.”

Mrs Moxey Ingraham said voting yes will ensure that every one wins, not just the house.