Religious community protests casino gaming
….. petitions Parliament to reconsider legislation
Kaieteur News
January 12, 2007
The religious community staged a peaceful protest yesterday in the vicinity of the Public Buildings over the tabling of the Gambling Prevention (Amendment) Bill 2006. The Bill, referred to as the Casino Gaming Bill, which was scheduled for its first reading in the House, provoked hundreds to object to what they believe is a detrimental move by the government.
The Guyana Evangelical Fellowship (GEF), Guyana Council of Churches (GCC) and the Georgetown Fellowship co-ordinated the protest which attracted several church members and concerned citizens.
Pastor Lloyd Stewart of the GEF said, “We have decided to stage this protest as a last resort. The church bodies had previously met with President Bharrat Jagdeo to discuss the issue but were not taken seriously.”
“The fact that Government will restrict the local population from accessing casino gaming implies that it not good for us,” he added.
He continued that if the casino is just for the foreigners, that is saying that they are superior to us in handling unjust issues.
Another church leader said, “Casino gaming is incorrect for this country in so many ways; it will promote gambling addictions which will lead to increased crime rates, prostitution, and money laundering which is a crime committed by the affluent in any society.”
The senior church member expressed disgust at the move to have the protesters barricaded so far from Parliament. He said that when they protested the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill, referred to as the Abortion Bill, they were allowed to protest in the immediate vicinity of the Public Buildings. The church members nevertheless said that they were appreciative of the press coverage which will amplify their calls.
At the beginning of the protest the atmosphere resonated with the chants “No to casino gambling, No to casino gambling”. This eventually gave away to a churchlike ambiance where a number of hymns were being sung.
The police were visible. Kaieteur News understands that tear gas canisters were at the ready in the event that the protest became violent.
Opposition Leader Robert Corbin graced the protest briefly to indicate his support. In an invited comment, he said, “The people have a right to express their views and have chosen to do so; the government for too long has shown its intolerance to the people of this nation.”
Mr. Corbin added that he is in full support of the demonstration.
Church leaders contend that the introduction of casino gaming will prove to be a detrimental move.
This move seeks to encourage false values including the “get-rich-quick” illusion; this move also seeks to discourage productive work ethics, they say.
The religious bodies claim that the government's approach thus far on the issue illustrates little regard for the constitution of Guyana .