Unless there has been a dramatic change in the strong reaction over Government deciding to abolish holding a referendum on whether casinos should be allowed to operate in Bermuda, the Government could find itself in the delicate position of making a choice that will either restore public confidence, or ignite further questions over concerns about their highest priority.

In any democracy worldwide the people want to trust the Government of the day, and when they feel any sense of betrayal, reaction can be unpleasant indeed, depending on the issue involved.

Governments are usually elected on the basis of what they promise, and falling short can be politically harmful.

The casino issue runs very deep with pros and cons, and the Bermudian people who care about their Island home have every right to desire a say, before such a move is undertaken, even under the banner of creating jobs and boosting our tourist industry.

Most people are fully aware of the economic crisis, and support efforts to improve the situation, but they also have reservations over what impact casinos could have on our social infrastructure, already challenged with numerous problems.

In the eyes of many that aspect has not been fully addressed, and even greater problems could result if gambling is implemented with loopholes for abuse. The people have a right to be sceptical, since casinos in many jurisdictions have claimed many victims through addiction. That factor needs the utmost study at a time when too many traditional values are tossed under the bus in the name of progress.

No experts are needed to explain that even a person paying for a bingo card knows the only certainty is that money paid for the card is gone forever. Promoters and investors in the casino business thrive on those hoping to strike the big win, and, despite many patrons suffering great economic loss, the demand continues with little loss for owners and operators.

The Government must be open to those who oppose casinos, as these people exercise their democratic right to appeal for a review of their current position not to hold a referendum on such a vital issue.

The initial reason given by Government, that the Progressive Labour Party intended to boycott the process over how wording was framed, holds little water. The Bermudian people are not stupid, something the PLP found out in the last election.

The One Bermuda Alliance must be extremely careful in not slipping into the mode of the previous administration, in creating an atmosphere where the electorate begins to suspect a lack of promised transparency in conducting our affairs.

A troubling question for many over casinos is, who really stands to benefit financially from such a venture?

Yes, there could very well be jobs involved, but roughly how many jobs are we talking about? These questions should be answered with clarity before proceeding.

Another deeply troubling factor is that if casinos are given the green light with Bermudians allowed to participate, the door will swing wide open for an increase in crumbling families, and potentially an upsurge in domestic violence, since most gamblers always believe the golden egg is just around the corner.

There are countless stories here in Bermuda about effects of addiction to gambling. While there is the occasional winner, little attention is given to heavy losses, and the effect on family life.

The Government should be willing to at least consider the growing number of people, from all walks of life, who are not happy about not having the entire country express itself through a referendum. That would be democracy at its best.

It is not a question of launching an attack on Government, or anyone else. What most people want are all the facts, good and bad, about casinos, rather than being given the impression that only those in authority know what is best for Bermuda.

Unless the people are given a full voice on this matter, the Government could find its credibility with the electorate in a weakened state.

Changing course is not a sign of weakness, in fact it might be the sign of a strong Government, not afraid to admit a mistake in the interest of serving the people with the highest democratic values.

The electorate will be watching.