By KYLE WALKINE
Tribune Staff Reporter
kwalkine@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement Deputy Chairman Dr Duane Sands believes Gaming Board Chairman Dr Andre Rollins has been “effectively gagged” by senior members of the government over upcoming webshop legislation, particularly with increased concern over discrimination in the Gaming Bill.
In an interview with The Tribune, Dr Sands said he believes Dr Rollins’ recent silence on the controversial web shop bill is an order from higher members of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government so that they can appear to be “speaking with one voice”.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to know that the whip is on and that there will be no dissent tolerated whatsoever,” the FNM Deputy Chairman said.
“The PLP has found itself under siege. In the face of all the challenges facing our country, the resolution of the web shop industry is now the ultimate priority for them and they’re going to accomplish this come what may.
“They’ve all sat down and have been given the lines. They’ve now rehearsed them and are now performing. Sadly, Rollins’ role is a silent one.”
Dr Rollins, on numerous occasions, has publicly disagreed with certain stances the government has taken.
Last November, he voiced his disapproval of certain portions of an earlier draft of the proposed Gaming Bill saying at the time that it “makes no sense” modernising the gaming industry for foreigners while leaving Bahamians out.
The FNM Deputy Chairman said he would even go so far as to say the statement of the day within the government is “group speak”.
“I think that the stakes for successful conclusion of this matter has phenomenal impactions for this government,” he said.
“Certainly the belief that they had made a commitment to the industry to get this legislation through is so evident that even the Prime Minister seems to have been willing to discard a national referendum equivalent in order to achieve an end.
“It seems as if the Prime Minister was prepared to go on as far as to deceive the Bahamian people to say that he had no position in this matter.”
Dr Sands said he is now left to wonder whether regulating webshops has become the single most important activity for the government.
There is no word as yet as to when the web shop legislation will be tabled. Last Tuesday, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said he hoped the bill will be brought to Parliament this month.
Comments
SP 10 years, 4 months ago
Sands could definitely recognize a gag order 1000 miles away after the little naked emperor Hubert Ingraham gaged his whole team for 5 years.
TalRussell 10 years, 4 months ago
A FNM not afraid to tell you he is not blind-sided by Hubert's failed red shirts image. There may be some on to something progressive who think, had Comrade Dr. Duane lead the FNM following Hubert's mass firing, the party would today have been pushed to becoming better organized, funded and a viable official opposition party. That Duane would have done what both Minnis or Loretta have failed at, reestablishing the party by attracting a whole new generation of red shirts. Hopefully, he would have quickly dumped that worn out red shirts image of Hubert's failed red shirts regime.
Altalk 10 years, 4 months ago
Yes two time loser..you would recognize,when someone is being silence ..coming under the iron fist of the great dictator.
TalRussell 10 years, 4 months ago
Both Comrades Dr. Duane and former DPM Brent must expect sparks to fly anytime they speak through these hereto Tribune pages. Minnis, Loretta and Darron have slowly but successfully turned-off in excess of 60% of the red shirts supporters they inherited from Hubert, making them incapable as a team, from winning the Copper's Town by election, much less, winning the government back? They couldn't fill a phone booth, if they collected were to gather together every new supporter each of the 3 have signed up since 2012.
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 4 months ago
From the Nassau Guardian, dies this make any sense?
Wilchcombe said the new Gaming Bill will be tabled in Parliament at the end of this month.
During the closure period, if web shop operators wish to continue with their business, they will have to file an affidavit and serve it to the Gaming Board.
sheeprunner12 10 years, 4 months ago
Rollins has been hamstrung by the PLP hierarchy from day ONE ............. its only a matter of time before they chew him up and spit him out of the PLP .............. The PLP is in the clutches of Brave and Obie ................................. the Gestapo boys. Perry is only the honorary chair
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