Prior to the 18th January 2013, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas indicated that he would abide by the outcome of the Referendum/ Opinion Poll. His words were that he had “no horse in the race”.

Subsequent to the Referendum/Opinion Poll this country witnessed a travesty of Democracy (some have even called it the “Death of Democracy”) when the Bahamian people voted NO to the Referendum/Opinion Poll but the Prime Minister decided to ignore the Will of the people and moved to legislate a Gaming Act. This Act will be enacted on the 24th November 2014 and on that date the government will start processing license applications for web shop owners.

Last week the government indicated that they would issue seven to eight licenses. Indeed, we found this quite strange that the government could have given a specific number in light of the fact that applications had not todate been forthcoming and more specifically the Government could not be able to say, at that time, whether persons who will apply, would have qualified for such licenses; especially in light of the provisions of the Gaming Act namely sections 24&25.

What is most curious and I dare say, suspect, is that on the 16th November 2014, a Minister of the government, senior government officials, along with foreign consultants met with web shop operators at the British Colonial Hilton.

We find this curious and most suspect because we saw no public notice or otherwise of such meeting. Needless to say, persons who may wish to apply for a gaming license that was not a part of that meeting would most certainly feel at a disadvantage. We ask the Prime Minister, why was there no notice of such a meeting AND why was the meeting only limited to the usual web shop operators? We are further curious to know whether the Bahamian people paid for the rental of the Hilton?

We also request of the Prime Minister to confirm whether there is a junior attorney consultant from South Africa that has been hired to assist with the implementation of the Gaming Legislation whose salary is $16,500 per month, has a government red plate, and rent payable in the sum is $2,800 per month together with light, water and telephone all paid for by the Bahamian people.

In addition, can the Prime Minister, who is the Minister of Finance, confirm that the government of the Bahamas paid approximately 6 persons who are senior civil servants and who worked on the Gaming Legislation the aggregate sum of $225,000.00.

Indeed, as we are certain that there will be no response from the government, we in the DNA would call on the Official Opposition to request and inquire into this matter through the Public Accounts Committee.

We find it concerning that in light of this “secret meeting” who had in attendance senior government officials and a Government Minister together with the aforesaid payments, that the issuing of gaming licenses has been most compromised before the process has even begun!

Yes, the “horse” has passed the finish line and is about to receive its trophy.

We in the DNA state emphatically that this is a good example of the need for Campaign Finance Reform!

Branville McCartney

DNA Leader