Dear Editor,
According to Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe, the new Gaming Bill contains a provision that would allow the minister responsible to override the discriminatory elements in the bill prohibiting Bahamians from gambling in casinos and foreigners from gambling in web shops.
Wilchcombe announced this as if it was something the government deserved a pat on the back for.
But why, if the government recognizes the current apartheid as a case of discrimination that needs to be rectified, did they not just fix it one time?
Asked when the government planned to use this power in the bill to make the right to gamble fair and equitable, Wilchcombe said "as soon as possible". He said more research was needed to ensure that such a move wouldn't put the web shops out of business.
So, now we get to the real crux of the matter - the government wants to retain the option of discriminating against its own people, barring them from a pastime enjoyed by every visitor, just in case they feel the need to protect the numbers boys from competition.
Interesting how this administration sets its priorities.
- F. Rolle

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