The Nassau Guardian
Sands highlights benefits of Gaming Bill to Bahamas
The swift passage of the Gaming Bill would create a “win, win” situation for the government and casino operators, Baha Mar Senior Vice President of Administration and External Affairs Robert Sands said yesterday, adding that the issue of Bahamians participating in the industry should be addressed separately.
The bill was tabled in the House of Assembly on October 16 and has been criticized for the elements that discriminate against Bahamians.
Critics of the bill have said it affords foreigners rights that Bahamians do not have.
But Sands said the bill would expand the tourism industry, while creating more jobs and tax revenue for the government.
“We’re not modernizing a bill for foreigners,” Sands told The Nassau Guardian. “We’re enhancing a piece of legislation that’s on the books that puts The Bahamas at a distinct disadvantage [to] the rest of the world.
“This bill is not about anything foreign. This bill is all about modernizing an existing piece of legislation that would work towards the sustainability of the gaming industry. We will be worse off not passing the current piece of legislation.”
Casino operators made recommendations to the government on how to modernize the sector.
On Sunday, Gaming Board Chairman and Fort Charlotte MP Dr. Andre Rollins said he does not support the bill.
Rollins wants the government to create an environment to encourage Bahamians to become owners in the industry, and he wants the provision that discriminates against Bahamians to be eliminated.
People who are ordinarily resident in the country will still be prohibited from gambling.
Sands said improving the industry and addressing discrimination are matters that should not be lumped together.
“There is a discriminatory element in the existing [law], so not addressing the current bill will not change the status quo of the existing gaming law in this country,” Sands said.
“But what in fact it will do is create opportunities that are economic, that are employment sensitive, that are profit sensitive, so it’s a win, win situation.
“I believe the government in [its] wisdom can address this particular element as a separate and distinct issue.”
The debate on the controversial Gaming Bill was expected to begin in the House of Assembly today. However, it has been delayed.
Sands said he was informed that the debate would begin two weeks after the bill was tabled. He added that the reason for the delay was not explained to Baha Mar.
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