A rising swell of church leadership against a measure designed to reform Bahamian gambling and casino laws is confusing the leader of the reformist movement. Sidney Strachan of the Committee for Gaming Reform says illegal gambling has proliferated to the purpose that regulated gambling have to be expanded to incorporate Bahamian residents to give protection to them, but religious leaders had no problem with gaming's spread until now."The government has issued more casino licenses over the past three years and the church was absolutely silent," Strachan told the Bahama Journal. "These same pastors didn't say one word. But once a chance is gifted for Bahamians they've a big issue with it."
Because of the shady and perilous illegal gambling venues inside the Bahamas, lawmakers are considering such moves as establishing a countrywide lottery and altering the foundations for licensed casinos in order that residents can enter and play there. But religious leaders have campaigned ferociously against new legal gaming, disregarding the illegal problem.
"My thing is that the federal government must take this issue to the folk in a referendum," said Strachan. The lobbyist thinks up to 80 percent of the population can be for expanded gambling.
Strachan says the churches and legislators aren't any longer of the people, but seeking to govern the folks from a distance. He asserts in the event that they cared more for the typical Bahamian than special interest groups, the problem wouldn't be in debate.
Published on July 28, 2009 by VirginiaMaddox
Read More... [Source: Religious Gambling News]
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