Government will move to enact casino legislation in time for Cricket World Cup 2007 regardless of the opposition of the religious community and the fact that there has been little consultation with the major tourism industry players and other private sector interests.
At a hastily called press conference last evening at the NCN Television studio on Homestretch Avenue, Prime Minister Sam Hinds told the media that following the first reading of the bill in the National Assembly today, the bill would be read for the second time and debated on Friday, January 19. It is expected that the bill would also be read for the third time on that occasion and passed.
When asked, he also indicated that a draft of the regulations for the proposed gaming authority envisaged by the bill was being worked on and persons were also being sought to sit on the authority.
Asked about the concerns expressed by the religious community, particularly the Christian community which met earlier yesterday and held a press conference, Hinds said their concerns were based on theological and moral grounds but the government has to be practical. He said he meant “no disrespect as it [the bill] is going forward as a development legislation.”
As to the concerns about law enforcement and the fact that the police would be stretched to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations, Hinds said there was improvement in the police force more so because of preparations for the CWC 2007 and there would be further improvement.
In relation to concerns about money laundering, he said casinos were not the only businesses known as avenues for money laundering, but almost any other type of business. And in terms of it encouraging prostitution, he said that was somehow already associated with the tourism industry.
He argued that the casinos would be a total package for evening entertainment and would add to what would be available at the National Cultural Centre in terms of the performing arts.
Around the time of the PM’s press conference, MP and Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy issued a four-page statement in defence of casino gambling.
He argued that for Guyana to boost its tourism industry it will need to have at least one or more four-star hotels. “We need to provide an incentive for this to happen. Casino gaming has proven in other countries to be an effective incentive in this direction and has now become an effective vehicle for investment to bring a four-star hotel to Guyana”. Observers note that this seemed to be an acknowledgement that the Buddy’s Hotel investor had been promised a casino licence even before the government set out to consult on the matter.
Ramsammy added that like many other activities casino gambling can be abused. “Our government would take cognizance of the downside of casino gaming and put in place appropriate mechanisms to deal with any possible abuse of casino gaming.” Ramsammy pointed out that the government with help from the US has been working to combat money laundering. Critics of the casino plans have voiced concerns over the enabling of money laundering. Answering this, Ramsammy said “it is important (to note) that the potential for money laundering existed in Guyana prior to any discussion about permitting casino gaming in Guyana. The Government’s attempt to combat money laundering occurred long before we made any decision relating to casino gaming”.
The Health Minister also noted that more robust anti-money laundering legislation is currently under review and is expected “to be presented to parliament in spring of 2006”. (Miranda La Rose)
