By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
THE President of the Bahamas Christian Council yesterday accused the government of refusing to take a position on gambling.
The Rev Dr Ranford Patterson said he felt it was because members fear that the impending gambling referendum could fail.
So far, the government has declined to publicly state a position on the matter. All that members will say is that the Bahamian people will be allowed free choice to vote for or against gambling. However, Rev Patterson told The Tribune that in the lead up to voting, the Bahamas Christian Council (BCC) plans to clearly repeat its anti-gambling argument.
Prime Minister Perry Christie last week said that during the 30 days between calling the referendum and the actual voting day, Bahamians could expect to be educated and informed on the issues through debates, panel discussions and published position papers.
Casino gambling will not be included in the referendum.
“The government needs to make a decision and state their case,” Rev Patterson said. “Let’s say this referendum is a disaster, who’s going to take the responsibility for wasting taxpayer dollars and wasting time that could have been used on other more important things in this country. If this is such a major issue just do it.”
The government, said Rev Patterson, should also take note of the long term implications of gambling that could cause thousands of Bahamians’ regrets if the referendum did return more “yes” than “no” votes.
“We are urging the government to look at the long term implications of this thing. We cannot just look at the now and what is happening in this country and around us presently. There are places in the United states that are ready to repeal the legalisation of gambling.”
When asked to give more substantive evidence of that claim, Rev Patterson could only speak of one state.
“Ohio is talking about the negative impact of 10 new casinos which has caused them an increase in social services costs, a spike in social ills, an increased cost to police as well, along with more people becoming addicted to gambling,” he said.
He added that should gambling be legalised, the church would see more people in need of help.
“The church has for a long time been picking up the slack for people, although we can’t always tell if these people are gambling addicts or what their issue is, we have to still at the end of the day assist them, that’s our mandate,” Rev Patterson said.
Comments
Observer 11 years, 8 months ago
Perhaps Rev President does not understand that each MP is really a citizen too, and is not a diety. The MP had to vote for another, in the constituency where he/she lives or lived in the last general election. Being MPs don't make them different from another registred Joe Public. Just like they consulted their constituents, who subsequently went to the polls, in general elections, they must also consult with and obtain the voters consent or otherwise upon the issue of current discussion. The must not be allowed to determine the outcome of this on in caucas.
Observer 11 years, 8 months ago
Perhaps Rev President does not understand that each MP is really a citizen too, and is not a diety. The MP had to vote for another, in the constituency where he/she lives or lived in the last general election. Being MPs don't make them different from another registred Joe Public. Just like they consulted their constituents, who subsequently went to the polls, in general elections, they must also consult with and obtain the voters consent or otherwise upon the issue of current discussion. They must not be allowed to determine the outcome of this one in caucas.
reverendrichlive 11 years, 8 months ago
Have you noticed that none of these Bible quoting preacher who oppose gambling never quote a Bible reference, that's because there is NONE. There is NO scripture reference FOR or AGAINST gambling. All the preachers who are opposed to gambling is simple expressing their personal religious biases and convictions. I lived and worked in Las Vegas and have seen some of thes preachers at the casino tables in living colors, so stop the hypocrisy. I gamble. I am not addicted. It does not control me I control it. People are going to gamble whether it's legalized or not. Prohibition is a good example. As for Sands who said, " Bahamians were not discipline enough " to legalize gambling, he is undoubtedly, speaking of himself, not any other Bahamian. He is simply revealing his ignorance, stupidity and HIS NEGATIVE SELF-IMAGE. The Bahamian people are well able to handle gambling, yes, like any other activity there will be those who will be abusive. Like food,we can abuse it and become gluttonous, just look at the many fat preachers. We are salled to govern ourselves first...and leave other people " tings " alone. As a minister of the Gospel I call for the legalization of gambling in the Bahamas. How hypocritical, to say, it okay for the toursist, not not for Bahamians. MONEY is MONEY. Now is the time to abolish this archaic law and allow freedom of expression.
http://thetribune.media.clients.ellin...">Reverend Rich Kemp by reverendrichlive
TalRussell 11 years, 8 months ago
This is a new one when the government proposing a referendum does not hold an position, public that is, because they have never denied they did in fact receive monies for their 2012 General Elections Campaign from the numbers rackets operators.
PM Christie you are not coming clean with Bahamaland's natives. Except for the numbers mans who else told the government that the natives are crying out to legalize the numbers rackets?
PM Christie stop this Politics Show and cancel this gambling referendum. Few believes you that your government requires a "no" answer from the natives in a referendum to enforce the "current" laws on the books. This smells and it is a bad smell.
by TalRussell
positiveinput 11 years, 8 months ago
The church for a long time have been picking up the slack for people... If the church have been doing so, why word it as picking up the slack. Infact why even say that if you're helping individuals with a good heart. Good thing (I wouldn't even put Rev) Patterson wasn't in the bible days and had to feed the 5000 cause he just would brag of how much hungry belly people his church had to feed. Preach and teach the word of The Lord and stop getting mixed up in things that don't concern the church. "Pick up slack" How much of your own church members never gamble yet still struggling to pay their mortage, clothe their family or put as simple as a loaf of bread on their table. "Pick up slack" How many people just on the corners asking for a hand out to get a hot cup of tea right in your church neighbourhood. Whatever the church do or did for people in need should never be classed as pick up the slack nor should it had ever been mentioned if your doing it out of a good heart. This is the same reason some people would gamble; to make sure no one has nothing to spread of his/her family during their time of need.
vinceP 11 years, 8 months ago
Frankly, the self-proclaimed "Christian counsel" really needs to bud out of Government affairs. I'm truly tired of hearing from this small group of individuals, whom both Governments have allowed way too much say in the governance of this country. We cannot allow a small group of NON-ELECTED GOVERNMENT officials have so much say, and influence on our Government. These PERFECT individuals are a bunch of idiots who claim to speak on behalf of their members, when we all know that its the majority of those very members who are gambling everyday.
concernedcitizen 11 years, 8 months ago
you hit the nail on the head
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