Church Group Launched To Oppose Gaming

HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Premier Dr. Ewart Brown’s push for the introduction of a casino has been rebuffed by a fellowship of more than 80 pastors and leaders from more than 70 churches.

United for Change, which was launched to oppose gaming in Bermuda, said it is the largest collaboration of churches in the island’s history and is “seriously concerned for Bermuda’s people, small businesses, and charities”.

The churches have well over 5,000 members from across Bermuda’s religious denominations, and the group has started a petition that has collected over 2,000 signatures so far.

“It is imperative that we provide informative reasons why gaming is not in Bermuda’s best interests, as well as provide some alternatives to boosting tourism that will not cost us the inevitable negative social, economic and moral consequences,” said group member Pastor Mark Hall in a statement. Wednesday’s announcement came just two days before the April 30 deadline for people to make submissions on government’s green paper on gaming.

The paper recommends that a casino be permitted in Bermuda and some of the revenue generated used to tackle social ills associated with gambling. It is due to be debated after Parliament resumes in May and the Premier spoke in support of the plans on Wednesday night.

According to a Cabinet Office spokesman, just five submissions on the green paper had been filed by yesterday afternoon.

Pastor Gary Simons from United for Change told reporters the fellowship was formed earlier in April. He admitted that it is “probably long-overdue”.

Meanwhile, Brown said launching a casino in Bermuda is a “win win win” idea in order to attract more visitors.

“Bermuda is at a critical stage in our development. How we approach this discussion on gaming will determine the future of our economy, our positioning in the increasingly competitive tourism marketplace and frankly whether we are serious about rebuilding tourism,” he said in a speech at Sandys Rotary Club.

“Gaming by itself won’t revitalise tourism but I see it as an added amenity, something that we must offer to attract more visitors to our shores.”

His government commissioned a local task force to examine the issue in February 2009. It came back with recommendations that some form of casino gaming be permitted in Bermuda.

It suggested a suitable site in Hamilton should be recommended as a location for a privately owned and operated casino, which would be open to visitors and locals alike.

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