The Christie administration on Wednesday, tabled what was
supposed to be a revised version of legislation which will govern the gaming
industry in the Bahamas. The Democratic National Alliance (DNA), like scores of
other Bahamians had hoped that the government’s delay in tabling the highly
anticipated bill would have resulted in the presentation of a clear, concise
set of laws which address issues of transparency within the sector and finally
reverse years of discrimination against Bahamians in their own country.
Unfortunately however, the Minister responsible for Gaming
tabled a document which not only upheld the status quo but further laid the
foundation for greater levels of government corruption while attempting to
appease number bosses who were major campaign contributors to the Progressive
Liberal Party’s (PLP) election campaign.
The DNA, while not surprised by the government’s decision to
discriminate against the country’s citizenry, is appalled by the rank hypocrisy
demonstrated by a government which claims to “Believe in Bahamians”. Just days before the tabling of the bill, the
Minister intimated to the local media that the government had taken steps to
eliminate all forms discrimination against Bahamians within the sector,
however, true to form, the Minister, from the floor of parliament reneged on
that promise.
The DNA maintains that NO
FOREIGNER should be allowed to do ANYTHING
that a BAHAMIAN CITIZEN CANNOT!
There should be no laws which give Non-Bahamians privileges which are not
enjoyed by the citizens of this country. If this administration is truly
serious about giving credence to the sector ANY CHANGES must first address the issue of discrimination.
How can a government which, in recent weeks, has advocated
for equality among the sexes then endorse the continued and objectionable
discrimination against Bahamians wishing to participate in casino gaming? It is
not only hypocritical and deceptive but further endangers any efforts by this
administration to succeed in securing equal rights for Bahamian women.
The tabling of the gaming bill is a further slap in the face
to the tens of thousands of Bahamians who participated in the botched gaming
referendum of January 2013 and is a further testament to the inability of the Prime
Minister to effectively lead the country.
By choosing to ignore the will of the people on this issue,
this administration has created levels of government mistrust never before seen
in this country effectively destroying public confidence in the executive and
legislative arms of government; and rightfully so. Since taking office this
administration has found itself ill equipped to manage countless conflict of
interests, scandals and an overall lack of transparency and accountability
within government ministries and departments.
Now, through the gaming legislation, this government seeks to
further encourage such corruption by granting the minister unnecessary
discretions over the conduct of a national lottery in addition to granting him
discretion to set license fees, which according to the minister would provide greater
flexibility in the amendment of the fee and/or taxation structures in the
future.
The DNA asserts however that such
an important decision CANNOT and SHOULD not be left solely to the
discretion of any one individual. We suggest instead that responsibilities be
given to an independent body which will oversee the process and ensure transparency
in a sector which has for years thrived in opacity.
Branville McCartney
DNA Leader
