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Casino Debate Heats Up at Jamaican Conference

JAMAICA – As reported by the Jamaica Observer: "Yesterday's business session of the People's National Party (PNP) annual conference heated up in the National Arena, as delegates reacted to a call by the young professionals group, the Patriots, to take a position on casino gambling.

"The Patriots' resolution drew fiery criticism from delegate, Ronnie Thwaites, who told the conference that gambling was a plague that was tearing away at the social fabric of the society.

"…However, former Region Three chairman, Paul Burke, while not disagreeing with the talk show host, said there was need for a detailed study of casino gambling.

"…Minister of commerce, science and technology, Phillip Paulwell, also supported the Patriots' proposal.

"…Patriots spokesman, Raymond Pryce, told the conference that the resolution was aimed at getting the party to look at the issue of casino gambling and seeing if the time had not come for its introduction into the country.

"…For over 20 years, the casino debate has raged on and off. Private sector groups and tourism interests have long lobbied for its introduction to boost the tourism product. However, the Jamaica Council of Churches has led a strong lobby against the introduction of casinos. Although other forms of gambling have been legalised, the authorities have so far bowed to pressure from the anti-lobby and drawn the line at casinos…"

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