The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Indeed this is the nature of politics and in the furtherance of one’s political agenda it is common and accepted to “bend the truth”, but when you distort the truth to a point where you no longer seem to be able to discern it from fact, then there is a problem.

“Wilchcombe blasts Minnis over flip-flopping on gambling issue.” Nassau Guardian, September 11, 2014.

The excerpt from this article; “Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday branded Opposition Leader Dr Hubert Minnis the ‘undisputed flip-flop champion’ based on his changing views of gaming.” This government has continuously pushed this non-truth and now would seek to use it as a distraction from the “flip-flop” that they themselves have done in betrayal of the Bahamian people; do not be deceived by this “bunch”.

Dr Minnis’ personal position has always been in support of the legalisation and taxation of web shop gaming and stood on a point of order to point this out during minister Wilchcombe’s contribution for clarification. However, it is clear that the PLP government is just not interested in the truth, it’s one of those pesky little things that seems to frustrate their style of governance.

The facts are and will remain as such; the PLP government proposed to legalize web shop gaming, picking up an issue left unresolved by the Ingraham administration. Dr Minnis supported webshop gaming during the Ingraham administration and when it was first proposed by this very same PLP government. Are you still all with me?

The PLP government put the issue to the people by way of a non-constitutional referendum. Dr Minnis stood in support if the PLP would have been able to do two very simple things. First, produce the regulations that would govern the sector. This is important because Dr Minnis wanted to make sure that it served the greater populations and not any special interest group. Secondly, he wanted a proper education programme introduced so as to make it clear what the Bahamian people would be voting on.

Please be reminded that some argued that it was as a needless exercise. As the PLP Government could have simply passed the legislation.

The PEOPLE voted against the referendum and the Prime Minister, Perry Christie, leader of the Progressive Liberal Party and of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, promised to stand by the word of the people and close the webshops. As the government now decides to go against the will and word of the Bahamian people and against the very essence of democracy; and in turn do their very own style of ‘flip-flop’. The only thing that Dr. Minnis has asked is that the voice of the people be heard and that the government honour its word.

Minister Wilchcombe wherein this do you see a “flip-flop” on behalf of the leader of the Opposition?

Minister Wilchcombe, the position that you have taken and your entire contribution based on this misrepresentation of the truth/fact makes you and your government deceitful and only proves that the members of this PLP government are no more than masters of deceit. For you, minister Wilchcombe, to now claim to be confused by the position of Dr. Minnis on web shop gambling to date really does not surprise me at all. It does not surprise me as your government is often “confused’ when it comes to taking a principled stance and doing what is indeed right for the Bahamian people.

A RAHMSEY

Nassau,

September, 2014.