(Barbados Nation) Barbados, which has long said no to onshore casino gambling for its citizens, is about to open the door to cruise ship passengers only in the Bridgetown Port.
On its return today at 10 a.m. from the annual four-week summer recess, the House of Assembly’s first order of business is to debate a bill that would allow the opening of certain facilities on cruise ships while they are berthed in the Port between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The Cruise Ships (Opening of Facilities) Bill, in the name of Minister of International Transport George Hutson, would allow the cruise ships to open their casinos, bars and duty free shops while at berth, but they must stay in port for a minimum of 12 hours.
However, average Barbadians will be restricted from enjoying those facilities as only registered passengers of a cruise ship registered with a cruise line that has a licence would be allowed access to gamble, drink or shop for duty free items.
