Dear Editor,

The proposed December 3, 2012 referendum, or as we have recently come to learn from Prime Minister Perry Christie, opinion poll on web shop gambling, has motivated intense discussions. Proponents for legalizing web shop gambling have claimed it will result in substantial economic and social benefits, such as job creation and educational and sporting scholarships. Those opposing it have somewhat summed it up as a threat to the spiritual welfare and prosperity of the Bahamian people.

Let me say from the outset that I oppose gambling in any form, and as a result I will be voting no to legalized gambling of any type.
What disturbs me, however, about this referendum is the manner in which the government is attempting to force legalized web shop gambling upon all Bahamians. I somewhat understand Christie's current dilemma. During his last term in office he was severely criticized for his "snail approach" to making decisions, sometimes even failing to make a decision. To Christie's defense, he argued that his approach was deliberate and that he wanted to ensure the right decision was made. This time around, Christie appears to have made a 180-degree turn.
The prime minister, however, seems to be making decisions in absence of thorough deliberation. After arguing that he and his party rejected the Ingraham administration's 2002 referendum, because, among other factors, it was too hurried and the Bahamian people were not sufficiently educated on the referendum topics, Christie 10 years later is doing the same thing. He is asking the Bahamian people to vote on legalizing web shop gambling without even sufficiently explaining to the Bahamian people what exactly is web shop gambling and how these web shop are operated.
As a matter of fact, Christie himself appears not to be sufficiently informed about the operations of these illegal companies.
In an interview with The Nassau Guardian, it was claimed that Christie was not aware that local web shops used lucky numbers from American lotteries to determine local winners. If the prime minister of The Bahamas, with access to an unlimited supply of information, is not sufficiently informed about the operations of local web shops, then what do we expect from the average Bahamian? I believe the government has an obligation to work to refine the moral sensitivities of its citizens, and not pander to their weakness.
After proclaiming that his government does not have a "horse in the race" Christie outlined the various benefits of legalizing web shop gambling. They include tax revenue of $15 million to $20 million, scholarships, athletic and sporting development, music, art and Junkanoo programs, infrastructure and social and outreach programs. The prime minister even promised Bahamians that there will only be a small number of legalized web shops. I guess we should all be relieved that there will not be a proliferation of web shops across these islands.
As I indicated earlier, I will vote no to any form of gambling. I am offended though that the government seeks to insult the intelligence of the Bahamian people in the way in which it is presenting this referendum. My gut feeling? This referendum is not for the benefit of the Bahamian people as a whole, but rather a small number of web shop operators. If successive governments have failed to collect legitimate revenues, like customs duties and real property taxes, then do you suppose this government will be successful in collecting web shop taxes? How would the government verify the intake from the web shop operators? What is the proposed tax rate used by the government to derive the estimated $15 million to $20 million its speaks about collecting?
I ask this government to show the Bahamian populace some respect and take some time and discuss the issue of gambling in its entirety, casino and lottery et al. Then, map out a comprehensive plan and present it to the Bahamian people. That way, when we vote in the referendum Bahamians will address the issue of gambling in its entirety and not kick the "gambling can" down the road for future generations to deal with. The Bahamian people elected you, Perry Christie, to make decisions that are sincerely in our best interest and not to take the easy way out. That is definitely not the trait of a good leader and this does not bode well for your legacy.
On a final note, I watched on May 7, 2012 several ministers of the gospel come on the stage at the PLP's victory rally to declare to the Bahamian people how they prayed for the party's success. I have no problem with this as I believe that each citizen should exercise his or her God-given right to vote for the party of his or her choice. But you know, I find it very interesting that during this most important debate on gambling there is a deafening silence from these ministers.
Were their voices on policies and decisions initiated by this government bought on May 7, 2012?
While ministers cannot prevent persons set on gambling from doing so, they do, however, have a duty to their parishioners to present the Bible's perspective on gambling. So I encourage them not to remain silent but speak truth to the saints. A quote from Edmund Burke (1729-1797), a political theorist and philosopher, "All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing."
I encourage every Bahamian to go out on December 3, 2012 and vote no, whether you agree with gambling or not. Force this government to go back to the drawing board and craft a comprehensive gambling plan on which the people of The Bahamas can vote on once and for all, and not kick this can down the road for future generations.

- Q. Musgrove

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