FOR DECADES Jamaica has been debating whether to legalise casino gambling, with politicians sampling popular opinion or wary of church opposition. The earliest casualty in the debate has been logic, replaced by emotion, hypocrisy and political inertia even as other forms of gambling have been growing apace, from arcades replete with 'one-arm bandits' to a host of lottery games from which the Government earns revenue.
As the economy gasps for breath and the need for growth in the tourism sector becomes ever more urgent, new voices are being heard in support of casino gambling. These include, most importantly, Mrs. Aloun Assamba, Minister of Tourism and Mrs. Beverly Lopez, head of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica, still working on the 'Partnership of Progress' initiative which is due to be unveiled shortly. Mr. Godfrey Dyer, head of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, has renewed his call for the introduction of casino gambling to enhance the island's attractions as a tourist destination.
The Roman Catholic Church, which traditionally has never seen gambling as immoral per se is opposing its introduction in St. Lucia where there is a groundswell of popular support for casino gambling to be legalised. Against the background of local waffling on the issue, it would be ironic if St. Lucia, despite church opposition, proceeded to 'first us' by introducing casino gambling, thus possibly diverting some tourists from Jamaica to that island.
As Mrs. Lopez has pointed out, what we don't need in Jamaica is yet another study of the pros and cons. Although casino gambling is not a panacea for our troubles, there can be little doubt that if properly regulated and structured, it can enhance Jamaica as a tourist destination for visitors who may want to have a flutter at the gaming tables. Any licence to operate a casino should be tied by Government to the construction of a convention centre to complement it, capable of hosting groups of a thousand and more. The employment opportunities during construction which these new facilities will provide is another important economic spin-off to be taken into consideration.
If, through adversity, the political wind for casinos is now blowing in the right direction, let it be remembered that it is in an ill wind that does not blow some good.
It is high time then for the Government to stop the waffling and foot-dragging and let the dice roll.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
