CITA: Cayman Should Not Follow On Gambling
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association [CITA] has noted Bermuda’s recent moves on gambling, however said that the Cayman should not rush into following Bermuda.
Last month Premier Craig Cannonier announced that instead of holding a referendum on gambling, the matter will be decided by a vote in Parliament.
The decision resulted in a wide range of reactions, with many praising the Premier for making a bold move while others questioned the decision to not follow through on their campaign pledge.
The decision makes it fairly likely that the laws on gambling will change in Bermuda, with predictions being that the legislation is likely to pass in Parliament.
CITA Secretary Tim Adam, said CITA members, based on survey responses, believe the issue of gambling should be decided only after a public education campaign and a referendum.
“We do not think Cayman should rush into following Bermuda on this,” Mr. Adam told the CompassCayman.
“We would need to consider what type of visitors gambling might attract, and there should also be studies done on whether Cayman’s existing visitors would be in favor of or against the introduction of gambling,” he added.
According to the Compass Cayman report, Mr. Adam suggested Bermuda’s decision on gambling would not have repercussions for Cayman and could even backfire.
“As a tourist destination, Cayman has for several years successfully competed against many other Caribbean destinations that already offer gambling, so if Bermuda introduces gambling it is doubtful that would have a significant negative impact on tourist arrivals here.
“Of course it could even turn out that we get some tourists coming to Cayman to avoid Bermuda because of them introducing gambling.”
“The pros and cons of gambling and its anticipated socioeconomic impacts would have to be carefully analyzed and shared with the public before CITA could be in a position to make any such recommendation to the government in favor of or against introducing gambling,” Mr. Adam added.
We have more creativity,I don’t agree with gaming.
Bermuda’s tourism industry can be revitalized without gambling. The focus shouldn’t be just on gambling. On a side note, Crown & Anchor on Front Street wouldn’t be such a bad idea though.
Interesting that late last year the City of Toronto decided that it was not worth having a casino for numerous reasons, especially the negative social ramifications.
Yet the Bermuda Government trudges ahead. Has there been serious studies done on this matter other than how much money is hoped will be generated?
As someone on here stated, “Bermuda’s tourism industry can be revitalised without [institutionalised] gambling. Why not start with, and maximise Bermuda’s most valuable assets – her people. That is what will repeatedly draw me back to visit.
The Cayman Islands apparently is going about this in a smarter and more responsible way. No impulsive, knee-jerk reaction for them as per Bermuda.
How is Bermuda’s decision a knee jerking one? Gaming has been discussed for years now. AND research was already started by the previous government.
Scrapping the referendum is a good example of knee jerking.
Very interesting. It certainly will be a shame if, with the introduction of casino gambling in Bermuda, the perception of Bermuda’s financial integrity is jeopardised. Cayman is very well positioned to benefit from our gamble.
Very well said not to mention the fact that just as they did with Sunday liquor sales, they now want to vote among them selves because they would rather the people of Bermuda not have a say, I think it is important to let our elected officials and the opposition to get on with the business of the day, but some issues we need all the people to have a say as it will effect us greater then those that are trying to make the decisions, for the brainiac who don’t understand, in simple terms the have not’s and the barely surviving ones will be greatly effected, not those who have the means to waste.
Well, let’s see, they have gambling in the US, UK, and HK, so what is the perception of their financial integrity? Is the financial integrity of Monaco under question? Almost all financial centres in the world have legal gambling!
We need to stop thinking what some other Country thinks – we don’t need no advise”
Lets get on with trying to make some money – we need controlled Gaming ‘ $$$$$$$$
Were Broke! – got it!
Gentlepeople – we need to stop just arguing & thinking – & we need to start doing…
If divert the energy we expend on arguing about cr4p like this on pages like this and Facebook etc we could put Belco out of business….
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