By Damion Mitchell, Staff ReporterKINGSLEY THOMAS, the hard-hitting chairman of the Development Bank of Jamaica, has criticised those opposing the introduction of
casino gambling, saying the
suggestion for it to help fund Jamaica's educational development was a sound proposal.
DIVERSIFICATION
In addition, he said it would provide for a diversification of local tourism, as community tourism was not the way forward.
"The trend worldwide in destinations in competition with Jamaica is for resort colonies," he said. "When you go on a
holiday, do you want to mix with the people? You want to relax!"
Mr. Thomas who was addressing the Rotary Club of St. Andrew's weekly meeting at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel Tuesday, said already there were gambling rooms in about 85 per cent of local hotels, while in 2003, Jamaicans spent more than $17.5 billion on games of chance.
NO OUTCRY
"I really wonder, therefore, why isn't it that there is an outcry against these and other forms of immoral activities by those who oppose the introduction of casino gambling."
Mr. Thomas later told The Gleaner that the introduction of casino gambling could result in another 150,000 to 200,000 tourist arrivals per annum.
