By Ruth O’Kelly-Lynch

Deputy Premier Paula Cox’s speech opposing the introduction of gambling was a pivotal point in a House of Assembly discussion, according to Progressive Labour Party backbenchers.

But some feel the Premier could forge ahead and instead take the matter of bringing a casino to the Island to the people in a referendum.

Early on Friday afternoon, during a lengthy House of Assembly session, Ms Cox said she did not believe now was the right time to introduce gambling to the Island. She was the first of six Cabinet Members to say no to the Premier Ewart Brown’s Green Paper on Gaming. In total 24 MPs disagreed with introducing gambling, some saying not right now.

Only five MPs came out in support of Premier Ewart Brown’s Green Paper, two of whom are members of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance.

Many questioned why such a discussion was taking place when Bermuda was in the midst of escalating gang violence, stating the House had more pressing matters to attend to.

Ms Cox told the House: “At this stage, where Bermuda stands right now, I do not see gaming as the right thing for Bermuda. What is important to note, Mr. Speaker, is we are at a tipping point in Bermuda right now and we must be careful where we stand.”

She added that this did not mean she was against it down the road.

Yesterday former Premier Alex Scott, who also spoke out against gambling, said he was proud of the Deputy Premier, and others who took a stand.

“I did think that a lot of people would speak out against it and I think it was important that Cabinet Ministers stepped forward,” he said. “One of the most important speeches was made by Minister Cox, it set the tenor. I wasn’t surprised but I was grateful. I think it influenced others”

“I hope the issue is now behind us because there are quite a few social issues that we need to address.”

Backbencher Randolph Horton, who was also against it, said he thought Ms Cox’s speech was “pivotal”.

“Her speech was absolutely important and it had an impact on the debate, a positive one.

“I think it is absolutely clear that the majority are not with it at this time. I was not surprised [that so many were against it] it was a matter that was important to debate and it was important that people did not shirk away from the responsibility in a situation like this.

“Her speech was pivotal.”

Two senior sources within the Progressive Labour Party said they believed a referendum on the issue could be on the cards, both agreed that Ms Cox’s speech prompted others within and without Cabinet to go against the Green Paper.

Many in the United Bermuda Party spoke out against gambling but ultimately said they believed it should be decided by a referendum.

After the ten-hour debate on Friday Government sources said it was “unlikely” a White Paper would happen.

The Premier appeared to back away from the issue in his closing remarks but made no firm statement on whether he would bring a White Paper in June on the issue as he had originally planned.

He said: “Some of the speakers voiced their lack of support for gaming in Bermuda right now, which leads me to believe that at some point in the future, the idea of gaming might again come up in the House. I would encourage that. As the Premier, I must listen to everyone and take all that is said into consideration. As the Tourism Minister, I must propose what I believe is in the best interests of Bermuda tourism.”

He said he hoped they would “try to open our minds and look at what can be done” in the future.

He added: “We can structure an ownership of gaming establishments where Bermudians own the majority stake.

“We can structure gaming where Bermudians, persons with work permits, permanent residents and whomever we choose, do not game at all, or where they game infrequently. We have that capacity. We could issue licenses, where Bermudians could gamble only four times a year or once a year, but where their gaming revenues would be captured here as opposed to going abroad.

“We can structure gaming where it is not the flashy, corrupt operation to which many have alluded. It can be a transparent enterprise with Bermudian ownership and workers that adds to the economy of our nation and attracts those tourists who would want it.”

Dr. Brown flew to Russia yesterday so The Royal Gazette was unable to ask him if he planned to put it to a referendum or bring a White Paper in July as he had initially planned.