Furbert On Gaming: ‘Let The People Decide’
Tourism & Business Development Minister Wayne Furbert [pictured] told a Caribbean hospitality industry website he would not attempt to pre-judge how Bermuda’s people would vote in a referendum to legalise casino gambling.
In a report posted yesterday [Nov.8], the newly-appointed Tourism Minister — currently conducting talks in London – said while he was personally opposed to gaming a final decision on the matter should be placed in the hands of the Bermudian people rather than politicians.
During the recent Throne Speech, it was announced Government may consider a plebiscite on the issue as part of an overall strategy to revive Bermuda’s hospitality industry.
According to the Green Paper on the subject released last year, gambling would add nearly 3,000 jobs and up to $146 million a year to Bermuda’s economy.
The release of the Green Paper was followed by a debate on gaming in the House of Assembly, with only a handful of Bermuda’s 36 Parliamentarians speaking in favour of relaxing the anti-gaming laws.
The only MPs to speak in favour were then-Premier Dr Ewart Brown, Zane DeSilva, Walter Lister, Michael Weeks, Mark Pettingill, Shawn Crockwell and Darius Tucker.
Mr. Furbert’s Full Conversation With the Caribbean Tourism Organisation Appears Below:
WAYNE FURBERT: The country has decided to have a referendum on gaming, something which has been ticklish for a long time … split between gaming, so has always been desired…
JOHNSON JOHNROSE: By gaming, you mean casino gambling.
FURBERT: Casino gambling. You may not be aware of this, but two years ago, when honorable, the leader of the … party, put a paper to Parliament, it was defeated significantly by…
JOHNROSE: By his own Government.
FURBERT: Well, it wasn’t a vote per se; it was a discussion paper, but the signals that were being sent out by the members of parliament on both sides, is that nobody wanted a casino. Bermuda’s a very conservative, religious community.
As a matter of fact, I live in the Bible Belt. My constituence is the Bible Belt, so let’s face it, you know how politicians are — it’s very hard for me to put my hand up and say, because at the end of the day, it’s cut off at the next election.
So we felt, or I feel, even when I was leader of the United Bermuda Party, is that the best way to handle this, let the people decide.
JOHNROSE: But you already know the results, don’t you? It’s going to be no.
FURBERT: No, I don’t think so. It’s interesting that you… I’m not going to pre-determine or pre-guess what the outcome will be, because I think it’s going to be very close. Because what happens in… and we’ve had some polls done… 80 percent of the white community supports a casino, 80 percent of the black community says no, and it’s because of our upbringing within our society. But the younger people within our society are much more open. Now it’s not something that I personally push is a casino. I don’t think that’s the end all, be all, for casinos really.
JOHNROSE: I was about to ask… if left to you, you would not do it.
FURBERT: If it were left to me, it would not be, but I have no problem in a democratic society is to auction for what you would like to do.
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- Minister: Gaming A ‘Strategic Imperative’ : Bernews.com | November 16, 2011
why don’t the gov let the people decide more things that should happen in our politics, why don’t we vote more often instead of letting them make bad decisions for 4 years then complain about it. ‘let the people decide’ yeah, let them decide if marijuana should be decriminalized, let the people decide about work permits, let the people decide more things. as long as the public are educated and informed of both sides of an argument, they can make their own mind up.
This is why more people need to take voting more seriously. If Bda votes back PLP, then they will be rewarding bad behaviour…so more bad behaviour will happen. It’s that simple.
Okay off the bat, I am against gambling. However, that is my thought! What I would like to see, it may already happened. Is, that the intended laws on what kind of gaming will be allow, who can run it (will criuse ships be allowed to have their casinos open while in port?) and what are the restictions! It is important, I believe, for everyone (the people of Bermuda) to understand the answers to these questions (and maybe more), before making a decision on which way to vote, if it does come to that.
3000 jobs! How many will be locals and one must think, who here know how run the tables? Do we bring in more people? Do we train locals before opening the casinos? Do we bring workers, who will train locals and they would leave after they have training? Who will police the casinos? I am sure there are many more questions to be asks. ALL I AM SAYING IS KNOW THE OPTION BEFORE MAKING A DECISION!
I agree Cricket fan
I think we all can accept the “3,000 jobs and up to $146 million a year” as pure fantasy.
Absolutely. Pure fiction made up on the spot.
As a person who has been to Las Vegas a few times & never once inserted money into a machine, I have no problem with legalized gaming. It is everywhere. Drive across the US. In some states gambling establishments are more common than Walmarts. Gaming will not be the great Bermuda savior. We missed the boat on that one too with our years of procrastination.
dooo it!
If the people of Bermuda are ok with visitors throwing away their money then why not? It’s “free money”. Ok so you give discounts on hotel rooms, for those that win a little..so what? See how St. Marteen does it…where I believe locals are not allowed to participate…I may be wrong though. Money is money no matter where it comes from.
yep USO….I like your style….run for OBA next election!
Thats why our Tourism will forever be a dead sector. We never try anything new. People come up with solutions but they’re quickly shut down once the gays or Church’s vote against it.
Happens all the time. Instead of looking at the pros and cons people only look at the downside of things. The people that run countries dont really care about the people of the Country..
That is a FACT !!
Is the church bringing any money into the Community? i think not? if they were to start giving their collection pots into the community/economy would it equate to 145 million dollars. or even close? Probably not!
So why are we as Bermudians who many of us are either athiest or agnostic being bullied into making politically and economically based on something we do not believe in???
RELIGION and POLITICS should not mix ever. The current Christian – Islam wars are a prime example why religion should keep its perverted war mongering nose out of the Political system.
I agree with Really? Referring to the Bible as a source for making decisions that affect religious and non-religious people alike is irresponsible and selfish. Let’s think about the actual issue itself with its own pros and cons (i.e. income, gambling addictions, job creation, etc.) and do a cost-benefit analysis (economic and social). Logic and decision-making go hand in hand.
Pleaseeee do tell me what the Church vote is?? Do you mean the church’s that own at least 2 commercial buildings in the City making money for who?? Not Bda Inc!!
If the people vote it let it happen.
And yes we should have the people vote on more on things – politicians are only after their own self interests – TCD, Ship terminal, Govt building lights etc.etc etc.
Thats the way it should go, let the people of Bermuda decide !!!!!!! As much much as we would like to think that we are a very religious society, it doesn’t show with the nature of our crimes and the broad use of drugs within this country, does it!
One thing we do know is that it will provide jobs, which is what this government has vowed to do and it WILL boost tourism and create such a revenue for the country that no one can imagine!!!!!!!!!!!
Just look around at Canada who tried no gaming and quickly changed there mind!!!!!!
Push for a referendum Mr. Furbert and the people will do whats best for themselves!!!
WE NEED CASINOS IN THIS COUNTRY IF WE ARE TO COMPETE WITH TOURISM AND GET OUT OF DEBT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
End of story.
They should have a public vote ballot. On the vote ballot there should be a selection for why you believe gambling should or should not be allowed. ANY vote that declares gambling should not be allowed based on belief of some religion, should immediately be discarded as a null vote.
Just some food for thought: This is in Canada and everything but casinos, so just imagine!!!
Net revenue from government-run lotteries, video
lottery terminals (VLTs), casinos and slot machines
not in casinos rose steadily from $2.73 billion in
1992, before levelling off and remaining at around
$13.7 billion since 2007 ($13.75 billion in 2009)
yes to gambling can we have free
dark n stormys also?
Do you people really think that gambling is going to effect just the tourism industry?? It will be on the island for locals to indulge in as well. And if you think that won’t have an impact on our community think again. The violence going on right now, only a small percentage of people (compared to the overall population) are involved. But look at how big the impact is. You introduce gambling and violence isn’t the only thing we will have to worry about. Now that is just my opinion. Yes, it can create jobs. Yes, it will bring in money. But everyone is talking about pros and cons…well this is a con. Before you make a decision look at the good AND bad. Not just the good.
P.S- If you’re talking about disregarding someone’s religion I really don’t think thats fair. You have your guidelines (or lack of) and they have theirs. Experiences and beliefs shape a persons opinions so you cannot ignore just one piece of what makes a person decide on issues such as these
Bermuda is suffering and so are the people, economically which has lead to these social issues. The economy needs fuel, money, to run. Bermuda is limited in what it can do as far as goods and services. What are the options for the local people to do as far as making money.
Bermuda and it’s people have grown tobacco, raked salt, built ships…etc and pioneered the tourism industry. The question is, what can create jobs and take care of the local people. In a society where the people are cared for and programs are in place, social ills are minute.
So yes there are pros and cons, but if this was properly orchestrated the ills can be sorted.
As far as people and their personal prejudice due to religion is amazing to me. If these people stood by their beliefs and reached out more into the community, the social ills would be less as well.
These are age old conflicts Progress vs. Traditional Ways and Church vs. State
BAN all unhealthy food and overeating in Bermuda. Some people eat poorly and some people eat too much. Look at the burden it puts on our healthsystem family and us, the voting publics pockets. Even the premier has fallen foul to this sin of sins. She ballooned. Ban driving ,because some fools drive unsafely. Ban alcohol because some people drink too much. Ban religion because some people think it gives them to right to JUDGE others and run the rule over what others are allowed to do, because of a few gambling addicts. Guess what the addicts already gamble. Go study your man made rule book…it is for you, not for those that choose it not to be their way to GOD. There will be fools in everything. The religious fools appear to be here in abundance. Apologies to college girl, this is where this post fell, and was not aimed at you.
We can go with Marijauna Tourism which is viable, substainable, green and religious people know it’s from nature
Funny I don’t see BINGO, Crown n Achor, Sports Betting being stopped. I personally believe people should have a choice. People drink alchohol and smoke cigarettes, others don’t, freedom of choice.
Will OBA get a casino on the island?
@Just asking, I don’t indulge in Gambling or Marijuana but I think Marijuana Tourism done right has a far better chance of attracting people to Bermuda than Gambling. Amsterdam in Bermuda. Think of the jobs that would be created with various farmers producing special blends of marijuana, marketing t-shirts/souvenirs. The novelty factor alone, Bermuda would be the first. With proper planning and protocol, isolation and limitations so that only tourists can participate could be interesting and profitable. If in doubt, the Bermuda government could consult Amsterdam and see how they do it and they do it responsibly as well. Thinking outside the box…
Amsterdam have changed the laws, it is not working the way some folks here believe.
Marijauna Tourism actually would be a great way to boost the economy. To bad there are not enough forward thinking people like you.
Gambling!!!!!!!!! I am for gambling 100%. But before we go that direction we need to get a DAMN GRIP on the crimes at hand
First things first. If this Government keeps slapping these BAD ASS PUNKS on the rist for the MAJOR crimes being done now how on earth are they gonna treat them when they hide around the corner and ROB the 1 st winner to walk out the CASINO.
Second….. If this Government wants to slow a bunch of crime from happening I have said all along to put a governor into all bikes. It will save lives too. If it was a law that all bikes can go ONLY 35KM These shooters will not get very far…….. DAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH…….. I might be too bright with my comment but it Really true
We need to address Crime in a more serious way before I stop going to Vegas and Atlantic City. They will watch who is winning the money and go wait outside folks home for them to return with the cash.. BDA is that SMALL
Thank YOU ALL, THATS ALL!!
Why not go the whole hog and have nude beaches strip clubs and pole dancers and (@ street business)since when did the gay community vote against anything stay off the black rum if u wanted something new we would have gay bars and that would be a strong indication that Bermuda is on the right track
We have Casey’s!!!!!!!!!! LOL
Reading the exchange with the CTO above shows the Minister is out of his depth. They already knew the answers and they were not the same.
Interesting the Minister is quoting polls saying 80% of blacks oppose and 80% of whites support a casino. What polls? When were they completed and by who? Sounds like made up results and more cogswallop.
How do we keep organised crime out of gambling or the casino business ? Do we have a large enough database of undesirables who live on the East Coast who will definitely see slow Bermuda as easy pickings .
Too bad they didn’t let the people decide on the Land license Act. Show some balls Minister Wayne Furbert and put your cards on the table.
if this referendum is done in a vacuum, it will probably not get passed. My be this is the intent then they can say, Bermuda have spoken. We need to first have a public debate on the matter, this will serve as a learning exercise. How are voters going to make an informed decision, if it’s going to just be a case of, for or against. Some people may be OK with it, if done one way and other may differ. The government must first say what it will look like and then have a public debate, pro and con before putting it to the polls.
Let’s see-
Add more jobs.
Add more money to economy.
Bring in more tourists.
Flip side-
Increase crime which is already out of control (which will drive away tourist).
Increase loss of personal items i.e. homes, cars, etc. (we have that now).
Break up marriages. (we have that now).
Cause single parent families. (we have that now).
Cause unruly youth with no proper upbringing. (we have that now).
Cause new social issues with addiction. (this is a new one).
Please Bermuda, can we insure we think this over and cover all our bases. I am seeing too much lately desperate untested solution that do nothing to address the real problems. This should not be just another Band-Aid we put on a big issue. Can we get some real ideas to address tourism in our little paradise?
And NO, I am not against gambling (as it is already being practiced) however am tired of these last ditch attempt to find solutions before the next election rolls about.
If Bermuda does not bring in gaming soon, more hotels will close and more jobs are lost. Bermuda’s tourism is dying due to the high cost of vacationing here. We can not lower the cost of a Bermuda vacation because fixed costs are too high. Most hotel jobs do not pay enough money for the average Bermudian to survive but hotels can not afford to pay higher wages. Gaming is the only savior for Bermuda.