By AVA TURNQUEST
Tribune Chief Reporter
aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins yesterday forecast that the Progressive Liberal Party will not win the 2017 general election over its handling of regulating webshop gaming.
He was not the only PLP MP to hit out at the Gaming Bill. Last night in the House of Assembly, Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells also criticised the Bill, particulary the element that upholds the status quo preventing Bahamians from gambling in casinos.
Dr Rollins suggested that these discriminatory elements of the bill leave Bahamians worse off than black Americans who suffered segregation before equal rights were established after the American Civil Rights Movement.
While he said he would not go so far as to accuse the government of bringing the legislation as a form of “pay back” to web shop bosses, Dr Rollins also said concerns over the potential for corruption because of the Bill were valid. He said these concerns must be eliminated with campaign finance reform and freedom of information laws.
“I’m not suggesting or imputing to the government that there is evidence to support money exchanging hands in return for policy decisions to benefit select individuals,” Dr Rollins said.
“I’m not saying that, what I’m saying is that the perception exists and we would be fooling ourselves if we thought that it didn’t. We must recognise the sensitivity of this issue and the implications of our actions in this place,” he said.
He added: “How can we say that civil servants who go on strike will result in the government seeing to it that they are fired from their precious jobs because their actions are breaking the law, but in the next voice come in here and say that Bahamians who have admittedly broken the law by engaging in illegal gaming will not just keep their businesses, but be legitimised by that very same government?”
He was referring to threats of penalty to civil servants who began to strike on Wednesday. “The hypocrisy of that and the message that it sends to the public would be enough in and of itself to cause the government to be fired at the next general election,” he added. “This is a very slippery slope and we must not be short-sighted with how we govern this country.”
In the afternoon session of the House, debate over the gaming laws became heated after Opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis raised concerns over the fate of the “illegal” proceeds of web shop gaming. He asked if the law was passed tomorrow, what would happen to the “illegal money”.
The remainder of Dr Minnis’ comments were expunged from the record. However, when he refuted his points, Mr Wilchcombe said “unregulated is not the same as unlawful”.
Dr Rollins later took issue with suggestions by Mr Wilchcombe that web shops were not illegal operations.
Dr Rollins said: “We as a government spent weeks and months telling the public that regulation meant the same as legalised. When it came to the gaming referendum we said there was no distinction or difference between using the word regulate the web shop industry and legalise the web shop industry.
“We have to be careful what we say when we come to this place because at the end of the day when we are guided by the truth we will always be on the right course.”
Dr Rollins referred to an article published in the Bahama Journal on March 30, 2006, that quoted MICAL MP V Alfred Gray as stating that persons participating in the web shop industry as owners or patrons were “criminals”.
He used the point to dismiss statements made by Mr Wilchcombe on Wednesday that persons were criminalising web shop operators because they were black men.
“The minister (Mr Wilchcombe) ought not to suggest that those who oppose this bill have a problem with black economic empowerment, the problem that some of us have, persons like myself, is with the contradictions, hypocrisy and unfairness associated with this discussion.
He added: “By the selective actions of the government in policing this activity, the government has chosen who would be a winner and who would be a loser.”
Dr Rollins maintained that Bahamians should not be denied the right to do anything that is permissible for a visitor.
“Successive governments since Majority Rule have taught Bahamians that they are less equal to foreigners and less civilised than foreigners. This is no better than the way that Rosa Parks and blacks were treated in the days of segregation in the United States.
“In fact,” he said, “blacks and Rosa Parks were treated better in the United States because at least they were allowed to be customers on the same bus as the white bus riders. This legislation says that Bahamians can’t even ride on the same bus.”
Dr Rollins said he supported former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham’s assertion that the question of whether Bahamians are allowed to gamble in casinos should have been included in the 2013 gaming referendum.
Dr Rollins said he disagreed with assertions that the proposed legislation was the “most transparent Gaming Bill on the planet”.
He took issue with the new structure of the Gaming Board the bill outlines, which he said did not clearly segregate duties; allowing operators to directly own licenses, which he said were invaluable and could then be sold or leveraged; and the perceived absence of regulations to mandate that web shop operators host their servers in the Bahamas.
Last night following Dr Rollins’ contribution, Mr Wilchcombe said: “Democracy lives in our country. There are unregulated sections of our economy existing that have business licenses that are not necessarily criminal. There is no evidence, no suggestion of any kind of corruption taking place from any member on this side.”
Comments
proudloudandfnm 9 years, 7 months ago
And so now Rollins will vote yes.....
HarryWyckoff 9 years, 7 months ago
While I agree with 90% of Rollns' points, he really needs to stop acting, along with the vast majority of black Bahamians) as if all Bahamians are black.
This act discriminates against Bahamians, not just some Bahamians based on skin color.
reverendrichlive 9 years, 7 months ago
It is not discriminating, my white Bahamian friend, it's just that 99% of Bahamians are African/Bahamians, so when anyone speaks they are simply speaking generally. The facts are, most white Bahamians could go into the casinos and not be recognized as Bahamians, if there is any discrimination it is against us. Most Conkie-Joes, like the majority of whites are priviledged, so relax.
PKMShack 9 years, 7 months ago
All the talking out of one's mouth sooner or later bits one in the ass. The protesters are criminal but the web bosses are not. I would like to understand how any Bahamian think it is ok that these guys do and say and treat Bahamians the way they do (PLP/FNM) and vote for them and the same mistreatment. The new generation Bahamian is on the loose and some for what appears to be good. Time will tell who votes what way, and then we the people have a chance to vote and hold them accountable for the things they say and do in this country. Just because you say it's raining I have the common sense to know the difference from rain and you dumping a bucket of water on my head. PLP would have the nerve to fire much less prosecute protesters in this climate. I dare them to try! Rollins has put them in a bad spot and they deserve all of what he is doing. PGC and crew once again you have to deal with this run away mouth piece that ain't scared of you all.
TalRussell 9 years, 7 months ago
Never before in the long history of we Bahamaland are there so many otherwise intelligent Comrade politicians and preacherman's, so damn willing to lobby for the addictive killing forces, which awaits many a new gambler to be sucked into playing da frequently lethal Numbers and Casinos Games Of Chance. It is IMPOSSIBLE to determine, if your mother, son, daughter, spouse, grandparent, teacher, doctor, preacherman’s, classmate, best friend, or co-worker or spouse to be - will statistically become one of the 12 and 24% pathological gamblers who WILL attempt suicide. Many will succeed in killing themselves. God help we Bahamaland!
by TalRussell
Well_mudda_take_sic 9 years, 7 months ago
Wilchcombe still has not explained the millions of dollars in loans he supposedly received from Bank of The Bahamas (BOB) that purportedly had to be written off as non-collectable and then refunded to BOB by National Insurance with the approval of Christie. Wilchcombe not only seems to be as corrupt as they come, but also clearly is a liar of the highest order even when the irrefutable truth is staring him right in the face!
GrassRoot 9 years, 7 months ago
of course the PLP will loose. the question is who is supposed to win the election? don't see anybody fit on the horizon.
GrassRoot 9 years, 7 months ago
“Democracy lives in our country. There are unregulated sections of our economy existing that have business licenses that are not necessarily criminal. There is no evidence, no suggestion of any kind of corruption taking place from any member on this side.” Good one. Of course not requiring you to have a business license does not mean you are a criminal. We don't need a business license to drink, to make babies, to collect shells at the beach etc. However, lending money to people without license, being in the money business without adhereing to the anti money laundering laws etc. that is criminal. of course. And yes of course there is corruption "on this side". Absolutely and openly, like not paying bills as a MP that is a form of corruption, signing contracts as a Minister with companies formed in your law firm is a form of corruption, flying to Vegas and staying in hotel rooms paid by corporations that have a stake in the country is corruption. I am just baffled (actually I am not) that the judiciary sits on its fat ass over this. These guys go well fed as well, I guess.
Tommy77 9 years, 7 months ago
Don't know about this guy.
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TalRussell 9 years, 7 months ago
Comrade Tommy77, so should you be suspicious. i would like to know why Dr. Andre allowed himself to be treated like some useless tool as the chairman of the gaming corporation, by the PM and others - yet he never once brought this out until weeks, after all hell had broken lose over his actions/true motivations? Not like he was too damn shy to step on PM's big toe, by standing up in the House or run-on his mouth to the media? I too have many questions for the good dentist? One being, why not just resign. Two, when was the last time he he held a constituency meeting with the very people who voted him into the House? If your true motivations are unclear, it doesn't help define your objectives. Right?
John 9 years, 7 months ago
There is too much time and too many variables for anyone to predict the outcome of the 2017 election. Many believe the outcome of the 2012 election was determined at the ninth hour. The PLP is going through some rough times and are continuing to make some serious mistakes. Decisions that make them unpopular with the Bahamian people. But they have another two years to play politics sweep the dirt under the carpet and get popular with the Bahamian voter again. The FNM felt that because they were hard at work, being honest and trying to keep the Bahamian economy afloat during tough economic times their election to a second term was a shoe in. WHEN they realized the electorate had turned against them it was too late to do damage control.
GQ 9 years, 7 months ago
I am glad that finally a black man refutes the old worn out "because I'm black" phrase which needs to be buried. It is always the case when the PLP do not have a credible argument they blame it either on the UBP or the White peoplle.
Thank you Doctor Rollins and I wish you the best as you move forward. You have joined a few GOOD MEN and WOMEN who have come from the PLP. Your name will now be associated with ones like Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield, Jimmy Shepard, Sir Arthur Foulkes, Warren Levarity, George Thompson and many more.
God Bless you Sir.
TalRussell 9 years, 7 months ago
This Comrade sounds all ready wear one them tainted red shirts? Why do I see just another politician who thinks more like a Comrade red shirts, where he would end up carrying that all but extinguished torch, if it were not for Loretta. His new party's home where all you have to do is whine a lot but offer no substance, and it will be enough to unseats a sitting prime minister? Why hasn't a Tribune reporter not even bothered canvassing the good peoples of Fort Charlotte to get their take on their new front page puppet friend. Best you take that red shirt over one of Ms. Daisey's Big Boy washers, to wash off all that dirt, before you go wearing it.
HolandObserver 9 years, 7 months ago
this man is hilarious!
licks2 9 years, 7 months ago
This government has breath its last with "swing voters" them. . .like the FNM did prior to 2012. The PLP did not win with national majority. . .they won with their base alone! Diseffected FNMs went to the DNA. . .they refused to vote PLP! The DNA got the "prime" voting bloc in 2012. . .now the PLP has a large diseffected member group that is most likely to vote DNA firstly and secondly FNM rather than vote for this bunch of disgusting PLPs!
This election is theirs to lose. . .they have already passed the "point of return" like the FNM did since 2010 and they did not see it until they get their cut hip in 2012!
The PLP has "done" itself from 2012-13. . .they have already hit the "fail-safe" point and still continue to do things as if they are trying to "get their things" before 2017 when they will get cut hip too!!
But if they continue to act like they don't care and just trying to get their things. . .don't be shock if some crazy person don't start changing governments like they now taking care of criminals that are in and out of our court system and leaving the small man without justice!!
These people are fed up, disgusted and hurt about how this government is treating them. . .on top of having to wait until 2017 to rid the nation of they corruption and misdeeds. . .while the government get more arrogant, condecending and vindictive!! This is a ripe situation for "hurting" people to think about ridding themselves of oppressors and corrupt officials. No matter how justificed those persons would be. . .insurrection will be desasterous for our nation . . .but then so is a continuation of this incompetant and juvanile government!
Friends. . .the natives are very very very restless. . .like I have never seen in my life!! These dudes them better take heed!! This government has brought the bahamas to a cross road that she has never seen before!! My grammy used to say. . ."if ya don't hear you will feel"!
reverendrichlive 9 years, 7 months ago
If this guy is against the PLP policy why not quit....no, wait, this is where we need Sir Lynden who said to his then dissenters, " If You Can't Fish, Cut Bate, If You Can't Cut Bate, Then, Get The-Hell-Out The-Boat." Mr. Christie, stop allowing these losers to remain in the party. " bUSH CRACK AND MAN GONE
PLP_Catastrophe 9 years, 7 months ago
Rollins is not to be trusted - he voted YES to VAT, and hence the catastrophe of the poor and working class Bahamians...these are the darkest days in Bahamian history.
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