The issue of gambling has been raised yet again on two Caribbean islands. In The Bahamas an eminent Church leader has called for a referendum on a proposed national lottery and MPs in Bermuda have been accused of destroying the tourist industry over their stance on cruise ship gambling.

Dr Emette Weir, while he himself is not in favour of any form of gambling, says the impasse on the matter of a lottery must be broken and that democracy, Christianity and the rule of law should resolve the question. Bahamians are not permitted to gamble at the island’s casinos but the idea of a national lottery to support education is growing in popularity. Dr Weir, speaking last Friday at a meeting of the Freeport Rotary Club, commented that all Bahamians must be given the opportunity to voice their concerns and a referendum should be held.

The Bermuda Hotel Association has claimed allowing liners to open their casinos while docked in Bermuda is vital to the future of the industry. Last week it was discovered that the last cruise liner to stop at St George’s and Hamilton, Holland America, may stop visiting the island. Recently a bill to allow cruise ships to open their casinos to passengers between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am while in port was defeated in Parliament.

The Holland America cruise line is committed to visiting Bermuda only until 2010 and has been vocal in its support of gaming legislation. Norwegian Cruise Lines previously commented that it needs to have its shops and casinos open when in port. According to Holland America it is very disappointed with the defeat of the gaming bill and that, had it become law, Bermuda would be a more appealing cruise destination. (E-07.27.09)

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