Gambling returns to table

| 08/08/2012

lottey-balls-490w.jpg(CNS): Although it has not yet been confirmed, the issue of legalised gambling, including the introduction of casinos, was under discussion during the recent meeting with the premier and leading members of the business community in the search for alternatives to direct taxation. It is understood that casinos and other forms of gambling do not yet have the support of the wider community but the proposal is still on the table. The issue is one that the opposition says needs to go to a referendum, while Ezzaard Miller says legalising the existing numbers game immediately could generate several million dollars for this budget.

Miller said he believes Cayman has to consider introducing casinos but in the first instance, he said, it would be easier and simpler to legalise the numbers game and charge a 25% fee on the lottery sellers.

“The business is estimated to be worth around $1 million per week, even though it is illegal,” Miller told CNS, adding that once it was legalised it would probably attract even more players and would be relatively easy to collect.

Although the police were unable to give an estimate of the number of players and sellers involved in the illegal lottery, a spokesperson confirmed that the figure of $1 million being spent on the numbers in Cayman was a reasonable estimate.

The debate about gambling in all forms, from a national legal lottery to full scale gaming and casinos, has been raging in Cayman for many years. A number of developers and those in the tourism market are in support of casinos, even if they were for the exclusive use of visitors and out of bounds for locals. A number of private sector bodies, such as CITA, some members of the Chamber of Commerce, CIREBA and Cayman Finance, as well as a various private sector individuals have supported past proposals to overturn the gambling laws and introduce a national lottery or limited gaming licences as a way of addressing government’s budget difficulties.

Premier McKeeva Bush indicated that he was willing to hold a referendum on the subject when he first took office and faced his first budget crisis but shelved the idea in favour of increasing fees to help balance the public books. A petition was started by radio host and former Cabinet minister, Gilbert McLean, in an effort to trigger a people-initiated referendum in 2010 but he was only able to gather around 500 signatures in support. Meanwhile, a petition against gambling started by the Cayman Ministers Association was able to attract over 1,200 signatures in a matter of days.

The subject continues to divide the community, with those who say it is an easy way of raising revenue for government pointing to the access people already have to the illegal local lottery and on-line gambling, which makes a mockery of the prohibition, versus those who are concerned about lotteries being a tax on the poor and the vice and crime that is associated with gaming and casinos.

With the churches opposed to gambling, successive governments had been hesitant to push ahead with legalising it but each and every time government faces a revenue problem the subject returns to the table.

The opposition leader said that while the PPM is against the legalisation of gambling, he would support a referendum on the subject. “We have always taken a position against legalised gambling and there has been no reason presented to change that but we do support a referendum,” he said. “Following a referendum, despite the party’s position, whatever the outcome we would be duty bound by that democratic decision.”

Although the premier has never come out and publicly supported the concept of a legalised lottery or casinos, sources close to him say that he is in favour. But given that may of his own supporters are against the idea, he would be unlikely to declare his hand.

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  1. Anonymous says:

    If this gets passed I hope that since Caymanians cant go inside we will at least see the staff 100% Caymanian like all other countries that protect there own.

  2. Anonymous says:

    I remember about 10 years ago there was a lottery committee set up to review the options of doing a lottery here. I Think Burns Connoly chaired it and if I remember correctly they found there was a very high level of support for a lottery but not too much for casinos. We should find out exactly what they found out and recommended to government. I heard they even spoke to some of the numbers people as well as the churches.

  3. madazhell says:

    Many, many moons ago, a group wanted to purchase Pagent Beach.

    These investors wanted to build a dock for gaming boats, boats that would take passengers out to International waters to gamble.

    Of course gaming was a TABOO subject back then so the deal was squashed.

    Instead of building Casinos – why not utilize boats?

    They could be put into use in the near future, after all, it will take a very long time to build even one casino let alone several.

    Gambling would not be on island yet it would be available to tourists and residents alike if the gaming law(s) allowed.

    The Churches should be pacified, the Government fed revenue and many people employed.

    It would be a win win for all.

    • Uncle Floyd says:

      Put a Church on one end of the boat and a casino on the other end.  Everyone wins. Souls will be saved.  

    • Anonymous says:

      Revenue from licencing the boats also.

      Let's not call the casino area Mac(au) Cayman:)

  4. Anonymous says:

    Maybe a good place to start is to save the 10 million dollars +  that's budgeted and given to the local churches every year!

  5. Anonymous says:

    The above story implies that the police are aware who is selling the illegal lottery tickets.

    Why aren't they being arrested?

    All of the bank robberies in the history of Cayman don't add up to one week's worth of illegal lotteries whick takes monies from the unsuspecting just as sure as a bank robber.

     

  6. Anonymous says:

    Look when these people are selling raffle tickets I dont care what the cause is for its still gambling so if its legal for churches and other community organizations to sell tickets to benifit them why dont they just legalize gamblin.

  7. Anonymous says:

    Next time there is a referendum, lets pose the question the other way around. Then we’ll see if no showers really “intended” to vote NO on the OMOV or if they simply didnt bother to vote!

  8. Anonymous says:

    I listened to as much of Mad Mac's rant as I could stand last night and something occurred to me: maybe he has realised that the civil service is unsustainable and needs to be cut,and all this is just an elaborate act so that when he finally does it he can say he tried everything else he could, and blame it all on the PPM for spending the money? I hope so.

  9. Anonymous says:

    Casinos DO NOT inject money into the economy, IT TAKES IT OUT!

    Just look at Vegas, Atlantic City the Bahamas.  the surrounding neighbourhoods are cespools and ghettos.  

    This whole tax fraud that somehow Casions somehow helps cities orcountries via tax revenue is exactly what it is "A Fraud".  Only the government sees any revenue, the public sees crumbs and low paying jobs.  Where the government uses the revenue to distrubutes those crumbs to buy votes.

    Do not allows Casinos here as the cash will go from and out of here to modern mafia bosses in new york.

    Don't be foolish idiots.

    • St Peter says:

      I partially agree with this part of your post:

      "Only the government sees any revenue, the public sees crumbs and low paying jobs.  Where the government uses the revenue to distriubute those crumbs to buy votes."

      I disagree that the government might see any revenue though.

      Oh Dear!

       I thought you were talking about the Dart agreement and the Economic Zone, and the Shetty Hospital.

      Sorry for my mis-understanding…

      The clouds are blocking my vision today…

       

       

    • SSM345 says:

      9:24, the only foolish idiot is you, stop smoking crack.

    • Dred says:

      You really have no clue do you.

      The only and let me say again ONLY way for a Casino to TAKE more than it GIVES from an area if you allow the locals to use the facility. It you make this either illegal or put a very high price on it then it CAN NOT TAKE more than it GIVES.

      Jobs wise we have an 8% unemployment rate. I really don't think we are choosers here. Any job available should be better than none.

      I also believe you watch far too much TV and engage your brain too little.

      • Anonymous says:

        There should be nowhere in Cayman than Caymanians are not allowed to enter. Period. 

      • Anonymous says:

        I don't think I can make a more moronic statement if I tried to.  Obviously you are not familiar with Cities like New Jersey and countries like France, Greece, Portugal, Italy, Spain.  all of which have casinos.

         

        Casino's can absolutely take more than it gives! How does one even come up with with such an idiotic and false premise??  On that note the Bahamas should be claiming that casinos are giving into the economy more than it takes FALSE!  You are abviously not even giving an once of thought into the ripple effect casinos have on the economy.

        FACTS

        1- Casinos reduce the amount of money a tourist spends into the economy (because it does into gambling).  you obvious don't factor this amount.

        2- the quality of the tourist coming into the the country is Less, they seek cheaper accomodations and entertainment (because the gambler "who is who you are looking to attract" cares about gambling, not cayman tourist sites)

        3- the supposed tax revenue that will supposedly go to "good causes" on the island _don't_  they go to cronies to buy votes.

        4- the money gained from the "tourism" that you are supposed to be "gaining" DOESN'T STAY IN CAYMAN, nor does it become avaialbe to financial instituition here fore lending etc.  it goes to BUILD MORE CASINOS from suckers like you.

        Open your eyes and take a trip somewhere, you might learn something.

         

         

    • B. Onneste says:

      Mr. Anonymous, you are correct, but it appears there are a lot of ''foolish idiots here….. just look at the "thumbs down".

    • Anonymous says:

      Leave us alone. We like being foolish idiots.

  10. noname says:

    As a Caymanian, I for one am glad that the Premier is not cutting the civil service and has contributed to helping churches financially so they can build shelters and day care centers whilst being managed and government would not pay a center to upkeep them. It make sense, seeing we will be paying 20 million dollars a year to upkeep the new schools. Sometimes you have to help those outside of government where they will do a better job at maintaining. It is like privatization which reduces government cost. As for civil servants it is good that many in the private see their value and importance. Imagine cutting police officers, imagine cutting teachers, cutting immigration officers, doctors at emergency ward… these things have an positive effect not only on the private sector, but on society. We are bless to be in one of the lowest crime rated countries in the world. We only had 7 murders for one year… compare that to other places. We are doing good and although there may be some complaints, our large civil service pay off.

    • Anonymous says:

      Whilst there are some benefits to being in a generous government – the reality is we cannot afford it. We have spent more than we haveearned consistently for years. we cannot go on borrowing forever – and the time has come to face up to reality.

      I agree that the Police, Teachers and Doctors are clearly not where cuts should be made. But read the Auditor Generals report on the gas card system for example – it is still wide open to theft and abuse because it is not managed properly. Closing that loophole saves the CIG money. How many other areas of concern are there where money is being lost, stolen,  wasted or spent on unnecessary expenses? Tightening up on where the money is spent, how it is spent, and on what, is vital, given that money is scarce now.

      How many vehicles does the CIG have? Seems we have thousands of them – do we really need to give everyone a shiny new F150 truck? I doubt the business need of the C.S. needs all these people to have vehicles.

      There should not be any department still holding out from moving into the expensive new Government building. Thats rent going to waste when there is brand new government building laying half empty.

      Cayman Airways – that is so damn expensive and has not made a profit in years, or even broken even. Why?

      The Turtle Farm – again a huge waste of money turning it into a disney theme park and now we are paying the bloated bill. Sell it, take the loss and move on.

  11. Anonymous says:

    Can someone please explain to this sceptic what is the religious objection to gambling?

  12. T.M. says:

    Casinos,Gaming, and Lottery.

     

    Lotteries are easy and are actually played in churches and at family functions very regularly 

    .BINGO anyone.

     

    Casinos. The only degree a casino manager usually has is a bachelors or masters in hospitality management….HMMM how many people in cayman already acheaved this goal.

     

    OTB,(OFF TRACK BETTING). Bet on aything anywhere in the world at anytime 

    odds base and unbiased.

     

    By the way did i mention i work for a casino and it is regulated and licensed in florida as a bank. 

    Gambling is not the sin it's the greed in everybody and self control casinos andother forms of gambling can be fun.

  13. Anonymous says:

    I support gaming in things like church bingo, however I would not buy a lottery ticket here as Cayman lacks the expertise to run one properly. The Ontario gaming commission has had a  scandals in the last few years with the way tickets were sold etc. Can you imagine one run by Mac?  Casino's and the lottery would open the door to further corruption and this island does not need it.

    We need to find another way.

  14. Anonymous says:

    So the truth has come clear, Mac had this gaming trick up his sleeve from day one. Upset the natives by saying “taxes” and they’ll go mad then see if the casino/lottery might be an option. Sorry for those who oppose but its going ahead, government needs the cash and forget about a 10% civil service cut as it ain’t happening with the elections just 9 months away. We all know that the numbers generate about $50-75million a year with t90% of it leaving Cayman so its hightime we get it legalized. Churches well they get $5 mil a year and a good portion of that money comes from alcohol and tobacco duty and you don’t hear them complaining bunch of Sunday morning hypocrites.Grant 1 casino license and charge a flat license fee of $50 million + a 15% fee on all winnings and casino profits. As we’ve seen from the Olympics sports and education can benefit greatly from lottery so will social programs such as NCVO and Humane Society. Have a Gaming Authority that’ll collect and monitor the industry, a possible 200-300 new jobs in tourism and hopefully more Caymanians.

    Trust me we already have Mafia and crime rings in Cayman oh and prostitution is alive and well so if you gonna dance with the devil then you may as well drink and be merry. Ni need for another referendum just do a petition for 5,000 signatures and start getting our economy back on track and quit the politricks, get people working and businesses makibg prifits.

    • DoWhatIsRight says:

      Just as long as it is with individuals/corporations of stellar quality and reputation, not some shady organization. Especially not one(CHEC?) that would send profits made in Cayman to a communist government(CHINA?) who tramples the human rights of its own people!  

    • JM says:

      Please keep the Olympic Committee (IOC) out of this if you don't know what you are talking about.

      The IOC sells its TV rights around the world every 4 years for $100 million dollars and do NOT derive any funding from gambling nor do they need to. JM 

    • Anonymous says:

      Agreed and if what I hear on the grapevine is true – our illustrious Leader is regularly seen in Casinos on his trips to the US – nothing wrong with that – so then he should be first to jump on the Bandwagon to support it here.

      Besides, let's face it – as has been said many many times before…. Regardless of how you 'tie it up in pretty bows'  …. ALL of  the Fund Raisning we now have in Cayman ( whether by Churches, Charities, Sport Club efforts or Whatever worthy cause – and they are All worthy causes) are ALL A FORM OF GAMBLING !! I am sorry Ms. Church lady, you cannot say that this is going to God's work so it is NOT gambling – IT IS !!!!!  and it is NOT necessarily EVIL when part or all of the proceeds are going to the good of the community.

      Nearly every Country in the world has some form of Legal Lottery  and even though I must admit I would prefer a Lottery to a Casino (if there had to be a choice between the 2)  I am not going to cry off against a Casino AS WELL , if this brings our current Illegal betting into a Legal Framework….

       

  15. Anonymous says:

    As soon as Lord Dart requests that he be allowed to builda casino it will be done.

  16. Anonymous says:

    So, is it true that Mac asked the business group of five to support gambling and two of them said no?

  17. Anonymous says:

    Well I didn’t see anything about casinos come out of tonight’s meeting but I did see a whole bunch of shit spouted again !
    1) sure lets increase permit fees – make it harder to do business here and will keep salaries pegged by the same amount as the increase in fees, especially in the average employment sector
    2) stay over tourism is screwed and Cayman is already perceived as a expensive destination that is not offering the value for money that it once did – so lets increase the tax on that sector as well….
    3) departure tax – see above, now add in the extra cost that food, beers and restaurants, tour operators will add to their prices to cov their work permit fee increases…..
    4) again no mention of a viable revenue increase ie a casino or 4
    5) probably the biggest issue, yet again no mention of cost cutting either in the CS, Nation Building fund , anywhere….

    Oh and on a parting comment anyone motive how over the last two weeks if you have tried to licence your car the DVLC is so overrun they can’t actually give you anything other than a receipt because they have been too busy processing the 2 week ‘ let’s raise some emergency cash for naughty drivers’ initiative …..

  18. Anonymous says:

    No additional fees! UDP already priced us out the raw market from 2009 on promise of a balanced budget that never materialised!

    No fees! Cut your expenses!

  19. The Truman Years says:

    The biggest problem facing Cayman today is the simple truth that too many voters are on an intellectual par with McKeeva. For that we can thank the lorg term failure of our education system and those with responsibility for its standard.

    • Dred says:

      ON!!! or ABOVE!!!!

      • Anonymous says:

        I think you mean below. Because if voters had more sense than him, he wouldn’t be in power, and we wouldn’t have this mess we find ourselves in today!

  20. Dred says:

    NO Gambling. CHURCHS WIN AGAIN!!!!

    • Anonymous says:

      Caymanians have eaten of the fruit of greed and have lost their paradise forever.  Gambling and Casinos are two alternative that we should approach with great caution.

    • SSM345 says:

      Glad to know you thieving gypsies are enjoyimg the $4M we gave you.

      Hypocrites and parasites.

  21. Anonymous says:

    1200 CMA signatures were enough to mothball casinos versus how many signatures for OMOV? Lol!

    • N Somniac says:

      Cayman is like a little Iran, a delusional leader in a fantasy world supported by crazy clerics.

  22. Mon E Ting says:

    One, two, three.

     

    1 Give the  churches so much money they will look the other way no matter what I do..

    2 Threaten the foreigners with Taxation, A lot of the locals will most likely agree, but those that do not will only fear direct tax, because they think they will be next. They too will look the other way no matter what I do.

    3. Introduce Casino gambling. The churches will look the other way, no matter what I do!. The people that wanted direct taxation on the foreigners, will agree, no problems there. Those that feared the tax will no do anything other than agree to direct taxation.

    I knowed, it I knowed it!

  23. Mary-Jane & Ashley says:

    Legalize gay marriage and marijuana while you are at it. There are millions to be made in both.

  24. Anonymous says:

    Lottery is OK. It will work and get some revenue.

     

    Cansinos? In theory yes. In practice no. The casion industry is controlled by organized crime. XXXXXXX

  25. Knot S Smart says:

    Well I am a christian and I wont be doing any gambling!

    I believe in natural stuff like wine, women, and song.

    I do the first two for six nights at the bar, then the third one in the choir at church on sunday…

  26. Voices says:

    Casinos would be the best thing that could ever happened to the Cayman Islands. If it weren't sold out to places like China Harbor, or people like Dart. I think the Casino should be C.I. Government owned.

    AND treat it like the American Indian Casinos. Native American Indian Casinos pay their Tribes {MAN, WOMAN, and Child} $4 of every $10 that people wager at their casinos. WOW nice!!

    The Associated Press reported in 2003 that each at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa Florida, that every Seminole man, woman and child in the tribe received $42,000 a year – and that's before the two Florida Hard Rock hotels and casinos got off the ground. 2003 was 11 years ago. I can only imagine the Seminole's tribes now have a much larger pay-check. Remember this check is paid out to every "man' woman, and child in the tribe. 

    Just think how IF a casino were to happen here in the Cayman Islands, just think' how wealthy every Caymanian man, woman, and child and the C.I Government would be IF the C.I. Government would think of the people first, and not themselves.

    The Cayman People said NO to the TAXES to the Expats. Caymanians can say NO or YES to the casinos to, BUT use your mind here Caymanians, Say YES, but use few stipulations. The main number 1 stipulation should be that every Caymanian man, woman, and child be treated fairly in a monthly dividend payment.

    American Indian Tribes Are Profiting, American Indian tribes are profiting from gambling, and Florida is where it all began. Since then, Indian gaming has greatly expanded. It generated $22.6 billion in revenue in 2005, up 14.6 percent from the previous year 2004, according to the Indian Gaming Industry Report by Alan Meister, an economist with Analysis Group. Florida's tribes – the Seminoles and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians – placed sixth among the highest grossing states with more than $1.26 billion in revenue in 2005 – up 36.1 percent from 2004, the study showed. YES you read that right : $1.26 billion in revenue….. WOW nice…

    The Seminoles account for a large chunk of Florida Indian gaming revenue, and 90 percent of their budget comes from gambling. The Seminoles have seven casinos, including thriving Hard Rock Hotel and Casinos in Hollywood and Tampa.

    Caymanians a casino in the Cayman Islands "will be" the opportunity that every Caymanian Man, woman, and child should look forward to.  BUT only if it's owned by the C.I. Government, and its Caymanian people.

    The second stipulation should be a law that the C.I. Government put's into effect, as NO Caymanian, or Cayman resident can GAMBLE at all, at anytime with-in the Cayman Islands Gambling establishment.   "Every  American Indian Tribe" has this very LAW set in place at all their "over" 500 Gambling Casinos across the U.S. 

    Indian Casino Facts

    • Tribes receive $4 of every $10 that Americans wager at casinos.
    • Indian casinos earned $26.5 billion in 2009 gross revenues.  Another $3.2 billion was earned in restaurants, hotels, and entertainment services.  
    • Indian gaming operates in 28 states. 24 states allow full-scale Indian casinos, 4 allow only Class II casinos (bingo slots).
    • There are 425 Indian gaming facilities.  They are operated by 233 tribes.
    • Indian gaming provides 628,000 jobs nationwide (both direct & indirect jobs).
    • Indian gaming paid $9.4 billion in Federal taxes in 2009.
    • Indian gaming paid $2.4 billion in state taxes to federal, revenue sharing, and regulatory payments in 2009.

    I say: SAY YES to CASINOS in the Cayman Islands. AS long as it's Government owed, and ALL Caymanians reap the winnings.

    • Anonymous says:

      2003 was 11 years ago?

      This error causes doubt with the rest of the figures.  Please support claims of facts with references. 

    • Anonymous says:

      Government can’t run anything efficiently. What makes you think they could run something that is as potentially corrupt as gambling? Only Foolio would write such a verbose pro government rant.

    • Anonymous says:

      Socialism creeping in. Say yes to gambling so government can give you a little something every month. Typical UDP scheme. Spread the crumbs around our voters so they support our corrupt schemes.

    • Anonymous says:

      I was With you there until you got to the part where you said it should be government owned. Do you really think the clowns in government are capable of operating a casino? Why not let it be privately owned and pay a license fee based on profits to a trust set up for the Caymanian people? The dividends could be paid out to the people from the trust.

    • The Thinker says:

      Voice, I don't know where you got all your information but It seems very improbable.  First off, the money brought in by ANY method here should be for running the country,,,, NOT making everyone rich.  That's just pie in the sky.  It ain't gonna happen. 

      Quote, "Just think how IF a casino were to happen here in the Cayman Islands, just think' how wealthy every Caymanian man, woman, and child and the C.I Government would be IF the C.I. Government would think of the people first, and not themselves."

      Again….  It ain't gonna happen.  The government ALWAYS thinks of themselves first!  People are only thought of when it's election time.  And where do you come off discrimininating against Caymanians?  Why can't we gamble?  Remember…… If it sounds too good to be true, IT IS!!!

       

       

       

    • Anonymous says:

      I agree fully with casinos – but disagree big time with the government running them. Let a private company who knows what they are doing run it. Collect fees from them. If government runs it, it will just become another 'one for the boys' hang out.

      • Dred says:

        I don't believe anyone is thinking of the government running them. Hell I would be sleeping at the backdoor waiting for the wheel barrows to come out.

    • CashHasEveryCorputSmiling says:

      Have you personally been to Canada or the US and visited a Indian Reservation. I have and if any Caymanian wants that life style he/she is mad, the idea of being drunk and on drugs all day is not my idea of the good life. So be careful what you wish for. You may get it.

  27. SKEPTICAL says:

    At least he could cut back on some of his travel expenses.

  28. Peter says:

    Get this done!! Cayman has always wanted to attract the wealthy here but let’s face it there’s not lots to do here especially for the more mature person. And we all know the wealthy like a flutter may even encourage them to spend more time here, purchase property etc, turn this whole issue of tax around, so much bad publicity from right around the world some say the damage is already done.But NO this shows how Cayman is different from the rest of the world and the people here will not stand for it and Cayman gov has listened and will now findnew money from new sources!

    • Anonymous says:

      Sadly the sort of wealthy people offshore casinos attract (as both owners and punters) are definitely not the same sort of people you want associated with a major offshore banking centre.

      A posting on another website has described them as 'bottom-feeding' scum – that's a pretty fair comment.

  29. Anonymous also says:

    If locals are not allowed to go to the casinos (which I disagree with ) that should mean all locals even the elected politicians.  What is good for the Goose is good for the Gander.  Sorry Mac.

  30. Anonymous says:

    Give the lciense to the Ritz and will be operational in 10 days!  I can see that big meeting room turn into a casino overnight. 

  31. Anonymous says:

    Been saying to anyone that would listen for years. Not sure how to find the last time i posted it on here but…

    1/ Five gaming licences

    2/ They have to go in a NEW hotel. You build 200 rooms, you get 20 tables/200 slots/ 20,000' of gaming floor.

    3/Each licence has to provide something for the community. A Port, the Airport expansion, a Convention Center, 36 golf holes, a megayacht marina.

    Dont give the licences away.

    Asking the guy running the illegal numbers game for 25% of his profits so he can put his name on a business card is a bit far fetched. So is giving a licence to the Stingray City floating restaurant (why is it still here?) or hooking up the machines in the ballroom of the Ritz just because they were already wired for them. 

    And as it takes time to secure and build the casinos, as we set up the gaming commision… lets run our owngovernment lotteries.

    1/ a daily numbers (would prefer not to have this as it does target the poor)

    2/  an international online powerball type  lottery with a MEGA prize. 

    Goodluck tonight… everyone.

  32. Anonymous says:

    Gambling is going to destroy a lot of people's lives here in Cayman, but if we won't listen, we will feel.

    When the first robbery/murder occurs because some gambler has big debts to pay,  will the victim it be a Ministers' family member? Will it be worth it then?

    God help us. We are going to hell in a hurry.

    I suppose when the referendum gives the go ahead, the Chinese will pour in to build their casino, that has probably already been promised.

    May I remind McKeeva, just as the last referendum stipulated that over 50% of registered voters needed to say yes, so too when the gambling referendum is being held, the same rules should apply.

    Watch McKeeva try to unconstitutionally sneak expats on permits to vote on this one. What a fraud!

  33. sad person says:

     

    Apparently government departments have been given the green light to recruit more staff

     

    Can you believe it !!

  34. Anonymous says:

    This will be handy for  the "Honourable" Mr Bush.  When a client needs to hand him $20,000 cash in US bills for "services rendered"….. he won't have to go all the way to Las Vegas to collect it.

  35. Anonymous says:

    IF we are going to go down this road then we need to have all the necessary safeguards in place first. Things are bad enough with certain types frequenting cash machines in Vegas. Imagine what they could get up to with the worst elements in the criminal underworld that is associated with unregulated gambling.

  36. JimBob says:

    I hav heard that the cayman Business men suggested increasing work permit fees in the Financial Sector, yet none of them are from this sector. – Please no further increases in work permits in the financial sector we got massive increases last time!!!! – how about increase  the work permits fees for those working at Fosters and AL Thompsons? I bet this was not part of their solution, how convenient!!!!!!

    • Anonymous says:

      You seem to have missed that Dan Scott was a part of the delegation.

      • CashHasEveryCorputSmiling says:

        The "Group" that met with Bush will be victims of his Polytricks. Watch the play.

    • Anonymous says:

      Daniel Scott and Roy McTaggart are Managing Partners in Ernst & Young and KPMG respectively therefore they are partners in firms that form part of the financial services sector. If permit fees are increased for employees at Foster's Food Fair and A.L. Thompson, it would have a more direct impact on cost of living than increase of fees for those who normally work in the financial  sector. The biggest effect locally on increased permit fees in the financial sector would be an increase in permit fees for employees of the six or seven retail banks and most of those institutions do not have that many persons employed on work permits

      • Natalia says:

        Wrong dude! Think fund adminstration firms, captive insuarce firms etc – these industries will be devasted by further increases in fees.

         

      • Natalia says:

        Yeah and do you know how much KPMG and Ernst & Young pay there fly in auditors from various African and Asian countries….they take extreme adavantage of them, and this would certainly lessen the blow for them of any increase in permit fees over those firms in the financial sector that pay a fair wage for a fair days work. Don't belive me….then ask one of these auditors.

      • Anonymous says:

        The UK will soon run out of red REJECTED stamp.  This proposal is just another that will end up in the trash.  Where it belongs, sustainable revenues not increase in permits fees and import duties.  The UK is asking for direct taxation not stop gap measures and until someone comes up with a proper budget each and every time it will be rejected.

    • Far Canal says:

      I think you'll find Dan Scott is very much in the FS sector.

      • jumpingbill says:

        If that is the case them Mr. Scott and Mr. Mctaggart have a lot to answer for. Look what happened to the sector last time the fees doubles – the fund administartion sector alone contracted dramatically. Doesanyone do any impact analysis before suggesting these things!!

        • Far Canal says:

          I mentioned in another thread that some Big 4 accountancy firms now outsource significant portions of their audit work to such places as India.  The Fund Administrator model is now being repeated by the larger accountancy firms. That is fact and the firms of Dan Scott and Roy McTaggart absolutely do this. And I'm not talking about a few people, these firms now employ between 40-100 people in India each, according to sources.  These are directly jobs that have been lost from Cayman. I sincerely hope that their own business model, which partly insulates themselves from increased permit fees in the FS sector, did not unduly sway them.   Afterall these are both very intelligent highly respected professionals. However 30% on a qualified accountants work permit is a significant increase in operating costs for a firm.

        • Anonymous says:

          Maconomics 101.

    • Brumby says:

      You are 100% spot on just confirmed by the premier. 

  37. Anonymous says:

    there just might be a model the government can follow in a few weeks

  38. Only A Good Idea If..... says:

    I personally have no issue with licensed gaming, but international best practice/proper procurement must be adhered to when vetting possible license holders. Remember what happened with the port.

    Any entity that is to be even considered must demonstrate that it is willing to be subject to a qualification process that is completely transparent and above board. Only ones that are willing to agree to hire 80% Caymanians and share at least 25% of net profits with CIGand another 25% with local charities should be considered.  

    • Anonymous says:

      That is the model being contemplated.   A split of the profits between government, charities and the operator.  

      • Anonymous says:

        Will politicians benefit personally? You bet they will. You will be introducing an industry that is often run by corrupt individuals through a political system that in my opinion is riddled with corrupt opportunities. Will all the proposals go through "proper" tendering processes? Fat chance. Remember, there were nasty smells around the award of banking licenses some years back. that will be as nothing compared to gambling controls!

  39. Anonymous says:

    I’m gonna be rich!

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes you will be rich… so is everyone in Nassau, Las Vegas, Florida, Louisanna, Mississippi and Atlantic City 

  40. Sam Putt Putt says:

    "Luck is always the last refuge of laziness and incompetence." J. C. Penny. Amazing to me how far the Cayman Islands have come.

    • Anonymous says:

      we done gone lazy & incompetent…long time!! now we jus gone down the toilet with da rest o da banana republics!

  41. Anonymous says:

    Get er done!!!

  42. Anonymous says:

    Ey lickshot wha numba play 1 o'clock? If a 27 mi ketchy fi $3 dalla! Yayyyy can't wait for this.

  43. Ping Pong says:

    And am ready to roll the dice!! Bring It On

  44. MacSinister Intentions says:

    Now for phase 2 of my plan… Gotta fulfill those promises…

  45. peter milburn says:

    I for one would fully support a lottery and/or casino gambling here PROVIDED that it is only used by bona fide visitors to the islands.and not by locals.The numbers game that has been going on here since I can remember must send hundreds of thousands of $s away each day week month whatever.It will have to be carefully monitored but in most other countries it provides millions of $s for local Govts.Just look at the football pools in the UK and the hundreds of lotteries all over the US and Canada.Please do not mention the fact that the churches are against it when they among many other organisations benefit from the selling of raffle tickest to raise funds.and I am sure they will benefit from a local lottery.

           Just my two cents worth.

    • Dred says:

      The churches are against it.

      When Mr. Mclean attempted to get a referendum going on it the Churches did one of thier own. Hypocrits. Probably the same week held a raffle.

    • Richard says:

      And may I add to Peter's comments that it has surley helped London/UK aka The Mother Land (and sporting programs and their olympics cyclist) to swept up sweep up the medals table from 2008 games and also helped with housing since the introduction of their national lottery. 

  46. Anonymous says:

    And there it is – McKeeva's real purpose.

    He only introduced the possibility of taxation so that we would welcome the possibility of introducing gambling in its place when it was proposed.  McKeeva's dumb — but he's no idiot.  He has to get this gambling thing sorted out for his friends over at China Harbour.  How else are they going to put their planned casino into the upland developement portion of the new dock?

    He'll introduce legalised gambling tonight and make it look like it was the local business leaders' idea — thereby getting exactly what he's wanted all along without even looking like it was his idea.

    I've said all along that if gambling is introduced in the Cayman Islands, a trust established on behalf of every person with Caymanian status should receive a license fee based on profits of the casinos.  This would allow every Caymanian to benefit directly from their operations.  

    We as as society need to get away from the belief that government needs to get a cut of everything that happens.  This type of mentality only contributes to every-increasing size of government.  We, the people, need to derive benefits from everything that happens in these Islands.  If we can cut government out of the equation — then all the better!

    And agreed with the previous poster — let's get rid of the antiquated Sunday trading laws.  In this economy, we need to encourage commerce –not stifle it.

    That government is best which governs least.

    • Dred says:

      That is a well thought out statement and possibly 100% accurate. Many have said he is a gambler. I have no proof of this. This would make gambling easier for him.

      I wasn't really even thinking about that but good thought process.

      • Anonymous says:

        Well Mr. Dred, if you follow him on his next "jaunt" on behalf of the people, you will find out the horrifying truth.

    • LegitimatePartners says:

      This cannot be allowed to fall into the hands of entitiies such as CHINA HARBOUR. We would surely get screwed just like with their port  proposal. That's screwed spelled with a capital F!!!!

    • Anonymous says:

      And who is more perfectly poised to take advantage of this than Dart.  Now it makes sense why he has invested how he has. 

  47. Dred says:

    Finally. I can only hope this is authentic.

    Now all we need is a good publicity campaign that emphasises the kicking of taxes out the door and the welcoming of Gambling to the Cayman Islands.

    We need something to turn around the negative publicity given by the tax in the international media.

    I have alwaysw said EVEN BEFORE I HEARD Mr. McLean with it that Casinos seemed like the best direction for the Cayman Islands because it just FITS US.

    We stand to gain tourist who may have normally gone to another destination because of our lack of casinos. These people have money and sometimes travel with their family. These people could invest in Cayman in terms of buying land.

    The Casinos themselves could jumpstart our construction industry. This alone is a BIG PLUS. The collections process is not difficult to collect. Let's say we have 5 Casinos here. Not hard to collect that and we are talking BIG amounts. We are looking at something that could also help the real estate market. Grocery stores. Employment. Everyone will get a piece of the pie.

    Althought I woudl be the first to say I am not BIG on the numbers I do see the revenue end of it also and in truth I can not see having one without the other. Lottery would also be a nice income generator.

    This measure alone can represent 20-50 million in annual revenues. Thsi is not to mention the reduction to unemployment and other benefits not thought of here.

    This is the time for us to MOVE FORWARD and show the world we can create a stable ROBUST economy WITHOUT DIRECT TAXES!!!!

    • P. Galore says:

      High end, well regulated casinos, the sort where James Bond in black tie would not look out of place could make Cayman the Monte Carlo of the Caribbean. Leave the tacky, cheap slots out and go for the high rollers. Do it, do it well and do it now.

      • NeoSurvivor says:

        Agree, and you characterise what I believe is the proper direction — quality casinos, good food, with an emphasis on class.   Not saying that an anti-visitor dress code would be mandatory, but a general air of safety and quality, with nearby linked hotels and restaurants.  

        In addition, a national lottery with VETTED proceeds, accounting and winner pay-outs.  

      • Anonymous says:

        Completely agree, talk about filling up Cayman Airways flights for people coming for a fun filled, high end experience in the Caribbean – Cayman will shine!

      • P A Rody says:

        We could have a dog tracks, use the ones from the humane society

      • Anonymous says:

        Slots are the best revenue at casino.

         

      • Anonymous says:

        Cayman Islands stopped attracting that kind of clients since 1992-93.  Our market will never again cater to the James Bond, Monte Carlo type.  Naussa caters to that type of people at Lynford Cay and not to mention Anguilla, Bermuda, BVI and TCI to a lesser extent. 

    • Anonymous says:

      This is day dreaming. Find any serious casino group that would invest here without demanding the same concessions as have been given to DART. Subtract their donations to establish a gaming commission, work permit fees, and calculate whether a casino development would make sense. The numbers aren’t ideal. Cheaper for them to invest in Macau.

  48. Anonymous says:

    The establishment of a local Gaming Commission (and ongoing hiring, training, supervision, and oversight) would necessitate even more Gov't heft – and could only be supported by large scale casinos that would pay for it.  It would be hard to attract a LVS or Kerzner-sized group given DART's sweetheart 30 year duty free deal and tourism tax waivers.  In a twist of irony, McKeeva "the great negotiator" may have actually single-handedly snuffed the Casino business model himself.

    • Dred says:

      No clue where you are even going with that because all I can see is crap in what you are saying to be honest.

       

      • Anonymous says:

        Regardless of how big or small gambling might become, a regional gaming commission would be required to oversee fairness of play, equipment, and training. It’s costly and casinos usually foot the bill. Big casino operators are not stupid, they will ask for same duty concessions and tax waivers as DART as a precondition to development. If those are conceded, then we have no direct revenue improvement, just hopeful for some knock on benefit.

    • Waskly Wabbit says:

      Make it a statutory body like CAA and Port.  They are run FAR more effectively than government departments but their profits can go into the government purse.  Better yet, make the commission up out of some of the excess government officials lying around.  Being run for profit, if the commission is properly managed and run, they should be prepared to work hard or be moved along!  

       

  49. Waskly Wabbit says:

    This can be done like in the Bahamas – put very heavy fines on locals for using the casinos.  $10,000-$50,000 per incident and jail on the third one…  They are covered with cameras so it is not like there won't be evidence.

    BUT – for the uber rich locals, offer annual gambling licenses.  Say $5,000-$25,000 per year.  If someone can afford that, they can afford to gamble.  Have them also sign an affedevit of minimum net worth or income – no need to verify it, but if they somehow do get into trouble, they would have signed under penalty of law that they had the means and ability as well as the assumed savvy, to make the application.

    So yet another revenue stream – even if only 100 people buy the local licenses…  And given the number of people plopping down $250 a head for charity dinners, I would say this is not a far-fetched figure…

     

    • Anonymous says:

      So what happens to the (illegal) 'numbers' which only locals, not tourists, play?  What will the locals do then?

      • Waskly Wabbit says:

        That is not casino gaming.  That should be addressed seperately for the locals.  I was specifically re-FUR-ing to casino gambling.

         

      • A. Pastafarian says:

        Well, the locals would have more money for groceries and clothes and stuff like that.

    • WasklyWabbit says:

      I am curious – are the thumbs down for:

      a, being against gambling

      b, being against allowing locals to buy permits

      c, being against limiting locals by requiring permits

      I should have posed this in the post as I believe there is room for discussion on the 3 options…

       

      • Tom Thumb says:

        The thumbs have spoken.  Accept it.  The thumbs do not enter into conversations.  Never underestimate the power of the thumbs.  That is the first rule of thumb club.  It is a rule of thumb.  We are opposable but we cannot be opposed.

        • Waskly Wabbit says:

          The thumbs were as clear and thought out in their speach as Premiere Derriere himself!!!

  50. Anonymous says:

    Although I'm not eligible to vote on it, I probably would have been opposed to legalized gambling, had I not seen how it has benefited the city I grew up in.  A casino was built in an industrial area and has created a steady stream of cash to the city government.  In the last few years, they have used it to build a beautiful community centre, upgrade a public library, do renovations to schools and provide funding to numerous city groups.  http://www.thenownews.com/entertainment/Casino+cash+trickles+down+local+groups/3631448/story.html

    • Anonymous says:

      Why would you have opposed it in the first instance? Why were those reasons overridden by a mere $4.4m in govt. revenue?

      My principles are not for sale and certainly not so cheaply.

  51. Anonymous says:

    It’s very troubling that government leaders and business owners are focusing on new means of government revenue because excessive, wasteful spending by the Premier will only become worse the more money he has to spend. We should stop thinking about new ways to generate revenue because at the end of the day, the money is still coming out of our pockets. Revisit some of the reports if the Auditor General and pursue some of the alleged fraud that has been going on (such as the misuse of government gas cards). Halt all frivolous spending on food and drinks at government functions and Board meetings. The Premier has had an open chequebook for long enough.

  52. Anonymous says:

    GREAT. idea.  This would bring in EXTERNAL money into Cayman (from visitors gambling). 

    A variation of the western Canadian model would work here – 1/3 of the profits go to government, 1/3 to charitable organizations, and 1/3 to the proprietor.  

    The churches and other can determine where the 1/3 charitable cut is directed. 

    DO IT!!!!

    • Anonymous says:

      Agreed.   Some might perceive some negative social impacts, but with the charitable cut, the churches could be able to fund some great youth programs, a thousand to Hospice Care etc…….

      Keep an open mind on this guys.  Please, it can be a win-win.  Think about it.

      • Dred says:

        With proper deterrents it can work.

        Licenses for locals to gamble that are rediculously high like CI$10,000 to CI$25,000 per annum and guess what that's another revenue stream.

        Penalties for locals caught gambling of fines and jail time.

        I believe that with numbers being legal many locals will not need casinos.

        • Anonymous also says:

          Sure, let's continue to divide the have and the have nots.  This would be extreemly bad.  It is either one or the others .  Open to all or not open to any locals no matter who you are.

        • Anonymous says:

          do we really need licences? are Caymanians that weaked will that they need the law to stop them going aginast their beliefs?

          Good christians should be able to control their impulses to sin, are you god fearing or law fearing?

    • Anonymous says:

      I know first hand that this exact model works in Canada.  Its well regulated, with a predictable cash flow.   My brother works at a charitable organization in Canada and is the recipient of some of this charitable cash flow.   This is a no brainer.   And its a proven model.  Trust me.     

    • Anonymous says:

      Western Canadian Model would work here??? this is the problem with Cayman always listening to everyone and cutting and pasting their ideas.  Cayman and Caymanians need to realise that we are an island with just over55,000 people and Canada is a huge country as a matter of fact bigger than the USA with a population of millions. 

  53. Anonymous says:

    Bring it on…I can't wait to get a good dream and lick dat numba man pocket!!

  54. Anonymous says:

    On this one, and  only, subject Ezzard is right. The numbers game is alive a well in Cayman but only the crooks are making money. Legalize it and put the $$ in the budget.

  55. Anon says:

    People are claiming that they haven't enough money, but $1m a week spent on Numbers!

    say 15,000 play (rather a high estimation), that's $66 a week, or close to $3,500 a year each one is spending.

    Hardly a good definition of poor or struggling to make end meets when you can waste that kind of money

    • Anonymous says:

      This is part of the reason why so many people don't have money to pay their mortgages.

  56. JTB says:

    But Church lotteries and raffles are OK ?

    What's that quote in the bible about motes andbeams?

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Churches who object don't have raffles and lotteries.

      • Anonymous says:

        Bet you they won't be saying 'no' if money is given from legal gambling.

    • Anonymous says:

      The churches are getting ready to fight the introduction of gambling to Cayman.

       

      The are raising the required funds via a lottery and a raffle.

    • SSM345 says:

      Apparently churches also find it ok to accept millions of the publics money via our leaders under the table handouts aswell.

  57. Anonymous says:

    Get the referendum going and let's not wait long to put it to a vote….My vote is 'yes" this time around.

    It is time!

  58. Anonymous says:

    lets see, tax all winnings at "x" percent (20?)… money for government 

    tax casino "y" percent of all profits (20?)… money for government

    put casino out east… reinforce the "go East" initiative

     

    Construction of casino… job creation (Caymanians only)

    Management of casino… job creation  (Caymanians only)

    Dealers, cleaners, cashiers, chefs etc… job creation … permit fees

    Casino audits… job creation

     

    Casino can only be placed on Government land.  Caymanian majority ownership.   Opens the door to national lottery which will also be taxed!

    Whats not to like??????????

    Instead of this, the rahtid dummy wants to impose income tax, which is THEEEEEEEEEE reason Cayman is where it is today.  "Put some powder on my hand so I can …. "

    • Anonymous says:

      "Construction of casino… job creation (Caymanians only)

      Management of casino… job creation  (Caymanians only)

      Dealers, cleaners, cashiers, chefs etc… job creation … permit fees

      Casino audits… job creation"

      Wow, so as you have just stated outright Caymanians don't want jobs that they feel are below them (Dealers, cleaners, cashiers, chefs etc).

      I do think Caymanians should be given preference with all else being equal, but to state your actual thoughts above shows exactly why Cayman culture is the way that it is (entitlement)

    • Anonymous says:

      Given casinos have not previously been operated on this island, please tell me where all these experienced, qualified Caymanian casino managers are going to come from.

  59. Anonymous says:

    Get the referendum going and let's not wait long to put it to a vote….My vote is 'yes" this time around.

    It is time!

    • Anonymous says:

      Hmmmm, will the no-shows at the polls be counted as "no" votes?

      • In Perso Nator says:

        Nope, this time they will be YES votes – suits the cause better…

    • Dred says:

      Did not see any referendum on taxes yet it was about to be implemented. I say just draft the law and while you are at it make it we can go to grocery store on Sundays also and lets stop being hypocrits shall we. I can get a beer but not a bread. Where's the logic??

  60. Anonymous says:

    Everything does not need to go to a referendum. In a parliamentary democracy we elect representatives to act on behalf of their constituents.  Manifestos at election time should clearly lay out a candidate's position on these types of issues and elected representatives should gauge the views of their constituents before they vote in the LA.

    Yet another referendum, which is time-consuming and expensive, would be the 3rd in Cayman in 4 years.  There has been a referendum option in the UK for decades and there has only ever been one referendum…in 1975.  Cayman's collective naivety on democratic issues, as evidenced by the nonsensical opposition to OMOV, is one of the many things holding this country back.

    • JTB says:

      I do agree with you in general, but I think this may actually be a good case for a referendum. There are legitimate arguments to be made (although I don't agree with them) about the social impact of introducing gambling.

      On the merits of the question though, I do not see why we should eschew a massive, easy source of revenue, which might even allow the Government to reduce the duty burden on local businesses, just because it might upset some people's imaginary friends.

      I think the comment about churches worrying about competition with their raffles is probably close to the mark, but that could be addressed by allocating some of the revenue to them. Then we could even scrap Mac's slush fund, too! What's not to like?

      • Dred says:

        Nope. No need. Just implement it. Time to stop being hypocrits and just do what is good for the country. Taxes didn't need it so why should this? We getting far more support for it already then taxes ever did.

        • Anonymous says:

          …and you have been masterfully played by Big Mac as he completes his bait and switch routine. I thought you were smarter than that, Dred. 

    • Dred says:

      Agreed. No referendum on 10% tax. Why for Gambling?

  61. Anonymous says:

    One of a number of good ideas..not sure how you can make it illegal for Caymanians and not for visitors or work permit holders..would be the reverse of the principle (almost) on tax only on Ex-pats.

     

    In the Middle East and North Africa casinos are only for foreigners for religious reasons. Where religion is a choice (and it is here) then it should be free for individuals to decide. As it is in UK and Europe. Only perhaps there should be some safeguards for people (both Caymanians and Expats) with known gambling or debt problems? Some kind of register of folks not allowed to enter?

    Licencing cruise ships to open their casinos in port (charge them a fee) could be a very quick way to generate cash, it could be done today..they would probably be happy with that too.

    But the main problem is still that the budget needs to be cut.

     

    • SSM345 says:

      13:54, look at the Bahamian model for casinos.

      Bahamians can work in them (and the majority of the staff is Bahamian) but they cannot gamble.

      Simple.

      Mkae it manadatory that 80% of the casino workforce be Caymanian and boom, the unemployment issue is somehwat alleviated.

      Two birds, one stone, happy dance.

      • Anonymous says:

        Problem with your idea is that Casino's wont employ people with a criminal record….boom…there goes your idea as a large majority of the unemployed people of a country tend to have a criminal record.

        • Anonymous says:

          Seeing as our "Leader" is the subject of 3 criminal investigations and finds it ok to "run" this country, I am pretty sure that a ganja man pouring beers or a thief cleaning rooms will be accepted  as the norm by the time a casino opens up.

      • Anonymous says:

        Oh legalise gambling FFS and let everybody have a go.  Enough discrimination in this place already without saying who can and who can't gamble at casinos if they are opened here.

  62. Anonymous says:

    surprise! suprise!

  63. Just Sayin' says:

    I trust that one of the things to come out of tonights meeting will be the abolishment of the antiquated and discriminatory Sunday Trading Law, with immediate effect.

    • Anonymous says:

      It is a shame that the bookstore is closed on a Sunday. Why would knowledge offend the Baby Jesus?

      • Anonymous says:

        Original sin dude, read Genesis, chopping away from the tree of knowledge is a big no no

        Church has always been aginast no faith based education, it allows people to think for themselves

        • Anonymous says:

          You misunderstand, and have fallen prey to the original sinful thinking – God is holding out on something that is good for me. He is a kill joy.

          The knowledge here was occult knowledge, and it was forbidden because accessing it opened the door to the demonic in your life. Only occult knowledge could cause one to become 'like God (or the gods) knowing good and evil'. It is obviously not referring to science, literature and philosophy as you seem to think. For example, we are often attracted to the fruit of knowing one's future through occult means. What is the harm in having your tarot cards read? It is a snare and a trap.    

    • Anonymous says:

      And what about the antiquated shareholding restriction on foreigners owning onshore businesses?? It is preventing investment which would give more jobs to both Caymanians and ex-pats. I would suggest it is even preventing Caymanians from being able to sell their businesses at realistic prices because potential foreign buyers cannot legally buy a controlling stake. Minority stakes are worth nothing.

      Open the doors, I think it would create more competition, lower prices, more jobs..it worked in most other places that did it (last examples in former Soviet Union-EU part)

  64. Waskly Wabbit says:

    The ministers object because as much as anything, it may divert funds from their own raffles and fundraisers…

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes, god hates competition.

    • STAY OUT OF THIS says:

      To speak honestly, this is something the Churhes need to stay out of.  Look seriously at what I am going to say.    All churches on the Island preach about Homosexual behavioursb  but, they have them leadears in the churches and a blind eye is turned to this in the church  because of the contribution they make to the churches.  Most churches sell tickets for fund rasing, garage sales and other events, such as dinner, cake sale and such.  What is the difference.  I would go as far as to say 50% of church members buy lottery.  They buy on their way to church, and if church is not out by 1 pm they are texting on cell phones in church asking what played.  This is a fact.

      You can go on schoolhouse road, walk into shops and buy your lottery over the counter just like you would buy a pepsi.  You can go to peoples private residencees where lottery shops are set up selling all day and night.   If anyone want to observe how much money is made on lottery in just one spot of Cayman.  Go under cover to school house road by the Almond tree.  Anyone can buy lottery in that spot five times for the day.  Four times from the Jamaican lottery, which plays, morning, break time, lunch time and supper. and one time from the Belize lottery every night.   There is the Indian lottery,  The Cuban Lottery,  The phillipino Lotery, the Honduras Lottery and the European lottery.  That is five different lotteries operating on a daily basis.   The money that is generated in just this one spot is thousands and thousands of dollars in a single day.  There are so many lottery sellers there that you do not know which to buy from.  You want to be sure to get your money when you win.

      I am not speaking of something I heard.  I am speaking of being there and buying lottery.

      It is time the government listen to the people on Lottery.  People wants the lottery.  We want scratch and win just like in the USA.  we want pick six and pick five on week ends. We also want to have the big win also.  BUT  WE WANT TO KNOW THIS MONEY IS GOING TO STAY RIGHT HERE IN THE GOVERNMENT so we will not have to be paying more Taxes.

      What is wrong withIT, NOTHING.  Caymanians need to stop playing church and this  Miss goody two shoes. if you have a dollar change, and taking a chance with it to win a few dollars.  All I know is that  we need it, and we need it now.  Today, not tomorrow or next week, but now..

      • Dred says:

        All you need to do is go to the bible my friend. Let's look at Adam and Eve and the tree. Why did God not simply remove the tree from the Garden of Eden? Why not remove the serpeant also? Why? Because God gave us the right of CHOICE. He allowed us to choose the right path in life.

        Who are the pastors to make choices when God himself granted us this right?? I believe the answer is there. 

        • Anonymous says:

          It is also why God put Alter Boys in churches, fight the temptation priests

        • Anonymous says:

          Yes, and there are good choices and bad choices and the law should recognise that when it is harmful to society as a whole. This is not just an individual choice thing. That is the problem – everyone is caught up in this individualism – me, me, me. There is no thought for community. No wonder the country is going to hell.