December 13, 2013

Dear Sir,

Premier Cannonier announced today (Friday), that gaming will be decided by a vote in The House of Assembly.

Members of Parliament will make the decision on whether or not gaming is introduced to Bermuda.

This is good news as we no longer have to bear the cost of a referendum. There was a chance the electorate would, through a referendum, defeat gaming. Members of Parliament could still vote “no” unless forced to follow the whip.

It will be interesting to see who votes, and which way. Various interest groups wield influential political power, and politicians do not want to lose any possible votes. With the recent poll indicating a very close election, this issue could sway the outcome of the next one.

Expect The Opposition to object, and say the issue should be decided by a referendum, that is just politricks, as they will not want to lose any possible votes.

Deep down, they know we must do something to turn our economy around, and also bring in much needed foreign capital. Should gaming be accepted by our MPs, it could result in a new mega resort being built. We could use the employment and other benefits.

Perhaps one of those ‘Atlantis-type’ hotels may be built, at either Morgan’s Point, Par la Ville or in St. George’s. That would be a huge plus for the island!

On a personal note, I hope we Bermudians cannot gamble, as we have enough social challenges, without introducing something that would create more. Those slot machines in bars and local clubs, would really do a lot of damage. Hopefully they will be confined to the casino(s) only.

Well, stand back and watch the fight. There will be a lot of it going forward!

Changer