The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – Two local pastors have expressed great disappointment in the Prime Minister over his admission that he regrets not moving legislation to regulate web shops at the beginning of the PLP’s term in office.

Apostle Tony Grant of Agape House and Pastor Eddie Victor of Living Waters Assembly of God also spoke out against the persistence of illegal gambling – noting that even though Bahamians voted ‘no’ in last year’s referendum, web shops continue to thrive across the country.

“We are sorely disappointed and concerned by comments made by our Prime Minister. The attitude of our government is alarming and sends a clear message that if the government had known the Bahamian people would have voted ‘no’, they would not have given us a voice in the affairs of our country,” Apostle Grant said.

Apostle Grant said gambling is against the law – just like prostitution, drug trafficking, gun smuggling and human smuggling.

The church and church leaders, he said, are the “moral voice” of the country and must take a stand on important issues such as gambling.

“We love our PM and we respect him, but as men of God we love God and this country more than any political party or agenda,” he said.

Pastor Victor said there is no new economy being created by web shops.

“What really happens is an economic shift, which means that money that would go toward paying mortgage, rent, school fees, and savings, et cetera is going into the hands of a few people who are becoming wealthy, leaving many at a financial disadvantage.”

He stated that web shops are creating an economic illusion in which people think they will win big and have sorely-needed money – mostly to pay for the very thing they are neglecting while they finance the web shops.

Pastor Victor said gambling is an addiction that destroys families.

He stressed that many Bahamian families are already experiencing financial difficulties.

Pastor Victor noted that even though incomes are down, there are record numbers of mortgage foreclosures and other businesses are closing, new web shops continue to open.