PM: MPs can vote their conscience on web shops

The Nassau Guardian

Prime Minister Perry Christie said last night he is not ashamed that his views on web shop gaming have evolved and said “the whip will not be on” when a bill to regulate web shop gaming is introduced in Parliament.

Christie, who was wrapping up debate on the mid-year budget in the House of Assembly, said every MP will be given the opportunity to vote on the “divisive” issue based on their conscience.

“Whatever might be the position which parliamentarians might personally take in this matter — and the whip will not be on — the reality is that businesses which operate in this country should do so in accordance with the law, and pay appropriate fees and taxes,” Christie said.

In the last several months, several MPs have been very vocal about web shop gaming.

Christie said he supports regulating web shops.

“When all is said and done, however, I am not ashamed to admit that my own views on this matter have evolved in light of a new appreciation of the dangers we face from continuing to have an unregulated web shop gaming industry that is... not susceptible to sustained law enforcement under the law as it stands today and which, moreover still, is not paying its fair share of taxes,” he said.

“I believe, therefore, that the time has come to legalize web shop gaming but only on the basis of new legislation that would provide for licensing, operation, regulation and taxation of this industry in accordance with best practices and international norms.”

Christie said the taxes that would be derived from web shops are estimated to be “considerable”.

He said a “very significant” portion could be earmarked for causes such as health, welfare, education, sports and community recreation.

Christie said provisions would also be made for a counseling and support mechanisms for those who may become addicted to gambling.

He acknowledged that many of the religious leaders do not agree with the government’s position on web shops.

However, he said he welcomes their prayers as the government tackles these serious issues.

Christie also acknowledged that the majority of the people who participated in the gambling poll on January 28, 2013 voted against the regulation of web shops.

”At the same time I am keenly conscious of the fact that the citizens of this country who support the regulation and taxing of web shops are considerable,” he said.

“Indeed more and more persons have become positive advocates. Authorities in law enforcement and in banking, including the central bank, both recognize the challenges of enforcement posed by unregulated web shop gaming, and the law enforcement and security dangers of having vast amounts of money earned by web shops which local banks refuse to accept.”

He said that having vast amounts of money circulating through non-banking institutions create money laundering implications.

Christie said this could also pose serious problems and result in blacklisting of The Bahamas by the Financial Action Task Force and by other multinational bodies, “which would have disastrous consequences for our vital financial services sector and the reputational standing of The Bahamas in the world”.

Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe announced last week that he intends to present a proposal for the regularization of web shops to Cabinet by the end of the month and is pushing for this to be official by July 1.

Bahamas Christian Council President Rev. Dr. Ranford Patterson said last week that if the government goes against the results of the gambling poll, it would be setting a dangerous precedent.

He added that he would not vote in another referendum.

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