Much has been said about casino gaming over the past few years. It has been suggested that introducing casino gaming could save the tourism industry and get Bermuda back on the tourism map. Many believe that we have fallen behind in the tourism industry because we have failed to move with the times.

On the other hand those who have opposed casino gaming speak to the social ills that may result, the corruption and crime that is thought to be associated with the gaming industry as well as the possible negative impact on the existing tourist base.

The Government of Bermuda, following the position held by the former Government, has promised to allow the people to make the decision as to gaming or no gaming. And, while I strongly believe that elected officials are elected to make the difficult decisions, I applaud the Government for staying on course with the previous Government’s commitment.

This decision will have long term ramifications for Bermuda, both good and bad. No one on either side of argument denies both the good and bad.

However, I do come adrift from Government in a major way. Having said the people should decide, it is my view that Government’s responsibility is to draft the Gaming Bill, bring it to Parliament, have it debated and passed, with or without amendment, and to then allow the proponents of each side of the debate to state their case to the people, and to have the people decide.

I think the people are wise enough to hear the arguments and determine what they believe to be the way forward.

If the politicians are to give the decision to the people then do so and step back. I am disturbed by strong comments from both the Premier and the Minister of Tourism who have stated that casino gambling is vital for our future success. I believe that the politicians should provide all their arguments during the debate in the House indicating to the people what they believe to be the benefits and pitfalls of this decision but once passed, it should be the vested interests, NGOs, churches and other interested parties who tackle the issue.

To refresh the memories, I have heard five strong arguments for gaming while noting five strong arguments against. I will put those forward now without taking a position until the debate in Parliament. I also wish to state my intention of reiterating these points and fleshing them out more in the House debate rather than placing my emphasis on trying to convince the people to vote one way or the other.

The arguments in favour of gaming say that gaming will spur hotel development; casinos will be profitable; attract tourists; provide greater tax revenues; and create jobs.

The counter arguments say that with gaming comes addiction, crime, social ills; the jobs are low paying low quality jobs; new hotels with casinos will make existing hotels less attractive and thus less profitable; after casino gaming Government will be required to allow online gaming with even greater social costs; and lastly, having allowed casino gaming, Government will be required to legalise slot machine gambling which was banned only a few years ago.

The above pros and cons are only some of the issues to be considered. I expect that my Parliamentary colleagues will pass a well drafted Bill. I then hope that the people will carefully consider this measure and vote as they see best for the long term benefit of Bermuda and their families.

The Gaming Referendum Bill will pass the Houses of the legislature as both parties have promoted the referendum as the way to deal with this devilish matter. The only reason for the Bill to fail is if it is a poorly drafted and/or unnecessarily complicated Bill. If this happens than shame on the Government failing to push on an open door.

However, should the Bill pass then the people will decide.

Remember the Gaming Bill will be a Bill to allow a referendum not to allow gaming. As a point of reference, you may wish to research the Independence Referendum of 1995. I was in the Senate then and the Government sent a poorly drafted Bill to us which had passed the House but was then defeated in the Senate.

Some months later Government came back with a much better Bill which passed comfortably through both Houses.

I expect to hear an announcement of a possible date for tabling the Bill in the Throne Speech tomorrow. It should be tabled when the House resumes in February and passed before the Budget debate.

Minister Crockwell has stated that the Government has chosen not to table the Bill drafted by the PLP Government as they are seeking more information/direction from the public in their Bill. What the Government must avoid is making the Bill too complicated.