A gaming critic claims the Premier is to push through a White Paper and legislation later this month, just weeks after a Green Paper.

Former Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness said Ewart Brown made the "disturbing" remarks at Sandys Rotary Club last week.

Mr. Edness said Dr. Brown also told those at the meeting he would like to see slot machines at social clubs around the Island.

Dr. Brown, who is also Tourism and Transport Minister, yesterday offered the following comment.

"While we do not wish to pre-empt the debate on the Green Paper on gaming, it is important to remember that while we intend to discuss this issue thoroughly on Friday, no vote will be taken," he said. "The opportunity to have a mature conversation on gaming as a means of potentially adding over 3,000 new jobs and $146 million dollars to the economy is timely and valuable. As we tabled this in April it obviously is our intention to have the issue addressed during the current Parliamentary session."

A study by a task force on gaming suggests legalised gambling could prove a boon, creating jobs and contributing millions to the economy.

The study, undertaken by Government in partnership with US consultants, recommends a privately-owned casino open to locals and visitors be built in Hamilton.

It also recommends "an advanced social services safety net be adapted to address the potential negative effects of the introduction of gaming".

Dr. Brown did not elaborate on what measures this would entail last night.

On Tuesday, however, he said he felt "very confident" ahead of tomorrow's Green Paper debate on gaming in the House of Assembly.

"I expect a robust, far-reaching discussion on gaming, and am looking forward to it," he said.

Yesterday Mr. Edness said he was opposed to gaming because he felt it would "destroy the social and moral fabric of Bermuda".

"Government should promote public virtue, not seduce its citizens to join in state-sponsored vice," he said.

Mr. Edness said when the Premier was asked at the Rotary meeting for a timeline on a vote on gaming, he said he wanted it done before he left office on October 31.

"His timeline was to debate the Green Paper on Friday week [tomorrow] and this would be followed by a White Paper, and the legislation to be introduced to the Parliament in May," said Mr. Edness, a former United Bermuda Party MP.

"This indicates that the Premier will move forward to a White Paper and legislation no matter what the consensus of the Green Paper debate is and even if a majority of members are opposed to legalised casino gambling."

He added: "The Premier was also asked if gambling would be extended to other hotels, clubs and bars.

"His answer was that that had not been considered, but what he would like to see was slot machines given to the sports clubs and the workmen's clubs. This would help them to finance their programmes which presently are supported by the sale of liquor, he said."

He added: "To place slot machines in sports clubs and workmen's clubs where young people congregate would amount to nothing short of setting up gambling apprenticeships to encourage young people into gambling."

Sandys Rotary Club president James Watlington was unavailable for comment yesterday, but Rotarian Charlie Swan confirmed the Premier's comments on slot machines in social clubs.

"He did say that," said Mr. Swan, Opposition MP for Southampton West Central.

"I can't confirm whether he said he would introduce a White Paper in May but my take was he was trying to move as expeditiously as he could before he leaves office."

This week a fellowship of 60 churches, named 'United for Change', launched a petition against gaming.

The United Bermuda Party also stated its opposition on Tuesday, calling for a national referendum on the issue.

The Bermuda Democratic Alliance (BDA) yesterday expressed its conditional support.

Party leader Craig Cannonier said: "The Alliance supports the concept of gaming in Bermuda, but only in association with legislation that will clearly, fairly and transparently regulate its implementation.

"This is very important since we do not support all of the recommendations in the Green Paper."

The BDA wants to see measures in place to reduce anti-social behaviour, plus no "government interference in gaming operations". Mr. Cannonier said this would "eliminate the potential for unethical behaviour".

The party also wants any proceeds destined for government to be ring-fenced, "to ensure transparency".

"The Alliance will only support legislation which incorporates gaming if we are confident that the process will be open and fair, and that its implementation will benefit Bermuda as a whole," said Mr. Cannonier.

"It is our pledge that if the necessary controls are not put in place when a Bill is tabled we will not be able to support it."

Quinton Edness opinion – Page 4