THE EDITOR, Sir
I AM worried about the future of our country and the impending damage being done by the gambling explosion. Gambling is now our favourite pastime. The major topic of discussion now is "what number the man play". It is a fact that gambling is an addictive habit-forming disease. The monies being won is the money of many poor people and not the "chiney man" money.
I don't see the harm in one taking part in a game of chance. But gambling is been marketed as if it is the latest industry to be developed in Jamaica. Can you imagine the damage being done to the morale of our young people. I wonder if there is any place in their lives for hard work and prudent investment. The mentality is to invest virtually nothing and to gain bountifully. Young people will look forward to start participating in these gaming activities. How are we to breed responsible adults out of a society where, as one of the gaming ads depicts two young men using their last monies.
I encountered a young boy of about eleven years old selling on the street. I was walking in front and he was behind shouting "ABC book, cash pot and lotto book." Bemused I was thinking to myself those are the three books that are essential to every household. I think people would have learned after been conned and swindled out of their hard-earn money by the various partner plans. One cannot invest their monies in gaming entities.
Gaming is an adult pastime but who is going to regulate it? The government that is earning revenue from gaming establishments, or is it the gaming entities themselves? And who is going to steer our youngsters clear of gambling? The adults who are totally captivated by this phenomenon?
I am, etc.,
RAYON STORER
Westmoreland
Email ramzon74@yahoo.com
