THE EDITOR, Sir:

I am a Christian, and even though I have gambled, I know that it is not something that we as a nation should take up wholeheartedly.

Why? In our society, we have examples of activities that we have got ourselves into which hurt us, the latest being the alternative investment schemes.

Casino gambling is going to be another Cash Plus. Does it have to be so? No, it does not. But it would require proper structures to ensure that Jamaicans don't end up losing everything to a new and potentially very dangerous avenue of addiction.

So far, we have not proven ourselves to be able to see potential dangers and put in preventative measures. The system tends to falter and we get into trouble or we just ignore the rules.

Why should casino gambling buck the trend and be any different!

When 20 years from now (see how generous I am) we get into the biggest pickle of our young democracy because of the actions of one person - namely our prime minister - who in his wisdom set us on a path that is not being controlled properly and all sorts of horrors descend upon us, what do we do? Wring our hands and say, 'Woe is me, if I had only'.

The Government, meaning us Jamaicans, is in very difficult financial times. Avenues of growth for the Government are limited and we can't borrow anymore. What is the figure, close to $1 trillion of debt?

Young people sucked in

I understand the need to explore all avenues of expenditure, but this one is not it. We need to think it through logically, and think of how addictive it is. Just look at Lotto and the other games offered by Supreme Ventures. Look at how our young people have taken to it.

With the evidence so stark, why would we put in more? I don't see the logic; it appears to be a quick fix, and quick fixes have never had much success in this country.

Please, Mr Prime Minister, find another way. I will help, for what little that is worth.

I am, etc.,

CHRIS GIVANS

cgivans@cwjamaica.com

Kingston 6

Via Go-Jamaica