Several prominent pastors intend to make a public push for the regularization of the numbers business and are expected to meet with Prime Minister Perry Christie today, The Nassau Guardian understands. "While we would have wished this activity was not a part of our culture, we will not place our heads in the sand," the pastors said in a statement sent to The Nassau Guardian yesterday. "We believe it should be regulated, taxed and its benefits used to undergird serious, progressive, social programs to the benefit of all our people."

While the names of the pastors who are a part of the group are not expected to be made public until today, The Nassau Guardian confirmed the names of a few of them: Rev. Dr. Philip McPhee, of Calvary Baptist Church; Rev. J. Carl Rahming, of St. Paul's Baptist Church, and Bishop Simeon Hall of New Covenant Baptist Church. "We believe that there [is] no evidence to suggest that through purchasing numbers in The Bahamas there has been an increase or the proliferation of prostitution and drugs," said the statement.

"However, there [is] evidence to prove that through these web cafe agencies Bahamians are gainfully and legally employed and many of these employees attend some of our churches, give their offerings, pay their tithes and extend liberal offerings to many of our pastors." The statement contradicts the message the Bahamas Christian Council is spreading. The council, which is backing the "Save Our Bahamas Campaign", is fiercely against gambling and is encouraging Bahamians to vote no in the upcoming referendum. Its campaign message offers seven main reasons why Bahamians should vote no: It violates our national values; it hurts the most vulnerable; it produces social problems; it promotes negative lifestyles; it increases crime; it harms the economy and it dishonors God.

However, the statement in support of legalization and regularization said yesterday, "We believe to embrace 'a just say no' response in this instance, will allow this underhanded activity to continue, with much benefit to the few, while to say yes to the proposed questions will bring some resolution and taxations to this business which could benefit far more." The group noted that illegal gambling has become ingrained in the Bahamian way of life. "In the face of this reality, our call is that since this pervasive economic sub-culture cannot be eliminated, it should be regulated; taxed and monies generated from this activity be used for specific social programs," the statement said.

"We further believe that it is imperative that the government accepts the responsibility to properly educate the Bahamian people on all sides of this activity." Prime Minister Christie told The Nassau Guardian recently that the government will facilitate educational campaigns on the issue soon. The statement sent yesterday said the group "openly and unhesitatingly supports and commends Prime Minister Perry Christie and his government for the magnanimous spirit to invite the Bahamian people to say 'yea or nay' by way of a referendum".

The statement was reportedly drafted after much prayer and study on the national debate on the referendum. "We believe that the role of the church is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in all of its fullness. We further believe that to challenge our members as to how to live in the spiritual realm is our utmost responsibility," the statement said. "However, we also believe that the church, through its sound biblical teaching and preaching, ought to impart the word of God in such a way that our members should become mature in the Christian faith to make wise decisions for themselves." The referendum on gambling is set for January 28, 2013.

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