THERE WERE mixed reactions on Friday to Prime Minister P.J. Patterson's pronouncement that his administration was paying close attention to the casino gaming issue.
Archbishop Edgerton Clarke, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kingston, said he was not happy with the news, questioning whether casino gambling would not "add more negligence and carelessness to peoples' lives."
"I've said in the past it's not a question of morality that is driving my view on gambling. How gambling is controlled or not controlled can be a very dangerous thing," he said.
The Rev. Phillip Robinson, president of the Jamaica Council of Churches, said he was adopting a wait-and-see attitude until an official decision was taken on what is considered an emotive issue.
"Wisdom dictates that we should hold strain until we hear what the Government's final decision is," he said.
For her part, Beverley Lopez, president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, (PSOJ), said she was happy the Government had expressed a willingness to consider legalising casino gambling which, she said, would diversify the tourism product and create more jobs.
"I think casino gambling could serve as a catalyst for further investment and will help upgrade the entertainment packages we know to be present in the tourism industry," she said. "It will also help to force a higher standard of food and beverages services."
Mrs. Lopez said casino gambling already existed in Jamaica but in an unregulated form which deprived Government of revenues.
"Why are we turning a blind eye to it?" she asked. "It is here, so let's get it regulated and allow Government to collect revenue."
On Friday Mr. Patterson disclosed that the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission was engaged in a comprehensive review of casino gaming, including visits to sites which have casinos "to determine the best option to consider."
- Omar Anderson
