The three main political contestants have promised to hold a referendum on gambling for Bahamians in The Bahamas if elected to office.
Most recently, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) unveiled its Vision 2030: A Charter for Governance on Monday night at a mass rally at R.M. Bailey Park. In its plan was the promise to hold a referendum on gambling within its first 100 days in office if it wins the next general election.
The Free National Movement (FNM) and the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) outlined their intentions in Manifesto 2012 and Vision 2012 and Beyond, respectively. The FNM and DNA released their plans two weeks ago.
The topic of legalizing gambling is one of those hot-button issues that politicians must carefully craft their words around.
Many people feel that the laws on the books governing illegal lotteries cannot be enforced, and as a result it should be legalized.
Numbers houses are now open in their promotions. No longer do you have to go behind closed doors and speak in codes to play the lottery.
Today, the numerous numbers houses use large signs to draw customers. And some local radio and TV stations broadcast the results daily.
Numbers houses are almost as prevalent as churches and bar rooms in Nassau. Customers come and go as they please. And while there is the obligatory police raid, the numbers business flourishes in plain sight of authorities.
It is among the biggest open secrets in the country.
Those who run numbers houses have, for some time, been eager for their operations to be made legal.
Many believe that the people of The Bahamas can benefit greatly from legal gambling through the tax revenue it has the potential generate. It is estimated that anywhere from $30 million upwards can be collected in tax revenue.
Moreover, it may significantly increase the amount of funds made available by the lotteries, as corporate citizens, to a variety of cultural, youth and nonprofit programs.
However, Christian leaders who influence large numbers of congregants strongly oppose the move. This makes the issue a political hot potato that can seriously burn a leader or a party that moves too far out front on such a contentious issue.
Opponents of legal gambling argue that it will result in a range of social problems antithetical to certain Christian and social values.
The Parliament could simply pass a law to make gambling legal for Bahamians. However, the issue is significant enough to be put to a referendum where all voices can be heard. We do not believe that it would be helpful for either side in such a debate to assign poor motives to the other as this is, in a number of ways, a complex issue.
It is worth noting that just about every Caribbean country has a lottery.
The Bahamas has been talking about establishing a lottery for decades. It's high time the question is settled and putting it to the people for a decision to be made will do that. Whatever the outcome, for or against, life will continue.
Much will depend on the precise nature of the question or questions asked in the referendum.
It will also depend upon a fair, open and honest debate. One that is not dragged into unnecessary politics, and one that is not monopolized by any group or groups.
The issue of legalizing lotteries is not a constitutional one and does not have to be put to a referendum, but a properly conducted referendum will be a great lesson in political maturity for the nation.
Interestingly, not only are the main parties agreed on a referendum. We suspect they may also have a shared view on the outcome they would like to see from such a referendum.
By announcing the decision to hold a referendum on the legalization of lotteries, the parties have been transparent about a decision that should be decided in such a special vote.
Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian
