January 17, 2014

Dear sir,

With regards to the Government’s referendum reversal, maybe there is a way forward that would save face and have some ethical bases. Obviously nothing can replace the promise of a properly organised referendum, but the principle which is to allow dissenters the ability to stop a legislative action, can possibly be achieved in another way.

If the OBA continues to be insistent about pressing ahead with legislation to allow casinos then they could add another piece of legislation to the bill that will, aside from the Senate vote, allow for an objection period afforded to the electorate.

For example they could allow for dissent to be registered at the post office or registrar. There can be an attached percentage to be achieved before the proposition or dissent has any power. For example we could use 20 or 25 percent of the electorate as a trigger for repealing the legislature and mandating a referendum on the item.

This legislation could accomplish two things; it will allow the parliamentarians to move ahead with the legislation and also allow the electoral populace if they can demonstrate significant numbers and are seriously against casinos to force a referendum. Having approximately 9,000 registered persons fill out an objection would be a significant accomplishment and demonstrates resolve, while on the other hand it will show that the OBA are concerned about consensus. If the objection period does not attract significant dissent the bill is validated by inaction and consent can be assumed. The challenge of facilitating this idea, would be to maintain a method that has a level of privacy for registering a valid dissent.

KHALID WASI

Pembroke