Howard Hamilton

This could, indeed, be the dawn of a new day for racing in Jamaica. I cannot recall a situation where there were so many influential players from the horse racing industry occupying positions of power in the decision making corridors of our Government.

The Minister of National Security, Derrick Smith, is a major participant, both as a owner and breeder. The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Karl Samuda, is another participant, both as a owner and breeder.

The key participant is the Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Don Wehby, who will more than likely have portfolio responsibility for the racing industry. He has first hand experience of the joys and sorrows of being an owner. He has access to a wealth of experience and information from his many colleagues in the industry.

Others with decision-making influence include Ministers of State James Robertson, a polo player; breeder and owner, Daryl Vaz; Member of Parliament St. Aubyn Bartlett who is a notable equine veterinarian, and the former president of the Trainers' Asso-ciation and Deputy Mayor, Lee Clarke.

Restructuring of industry

They are all anxious to see a restructured industry which recognises the tremendous potential which this industry has in the areas of entertainment and tourism, agriculture, career development and employment, revenue generation and become a major player in the economic and social activity of this country.

If that influential team cannot bring about the essential restructuring of the industry then we might as well pack up and leave the industry to continue as a spectacle for paraplegics.

I remember when racing was referred to as the 'Sport of Kings' - a sport which through every facet, evinced nobility from the stables to the stands. There are still those who unquestionably contribute to preserving and expanding the bounty we hold on to as the racing industry in Jamaica.

Should we, however, continue to operate and perceive and conceive the industry as it was in the days when horse racing was the preserve of the rich - an indulgent pastime simply for the investment of disposable income - then we will not only be tripping along the final turn, limping into that last furlong but we will be making ourselves less of princes and more of the paupers that we now find ourselves.

In almost no other sphere, is a changing of the guard more apparent than in the horse racing industry. The industry now encompasses all strata of society and players not only come from the Park Avenue and Boardwalk sections of the Monopoly Board but also from the Baltic and Kent Avenue side as well. The contribution of each player - from stable boy to owners is significant and must be considered in any essential plan for the restructuring of the industry.

The gaming industry, particularly horse racing, is a primary source of income for the Government. It is, therefore, essential that any plan for the restructuring of the racing industry includes all the players but, most importantly, the Government.

The Government cannot continue to see itself as a mere regulator in the industry - providing laws and guidelines for the operation without being a part of the investment in the industry.

There needs to be a meaningful partnership with the private sector to ensure the levels of investment that are so surely needed. Without this input, the industry will not survive.

Horse racing is the number one commercial sport in the nation and can be a staple of economic development. The direct industry employment stands at about 20,000. It stimulates associated enterprises and spawns a series of cottage industries that create a spiral of economic growth. The industry's potential is boundless. If properly utilised, Jamaica's racing industry can become part and parcel of the tourism product and be a major earner of foreign exchange.

Alternative facility

There is much to be gained from seriously considering a racing facility which could provide the gateway for change in many infrastucturally weak areas of the present operations and also assist i entrenched perceptions which have kept investors and players away from our grounds.

The facility which I envisage is an entertainment complex which fosters an all-inclusive and controllable atmosphere for the participation of the widest possible local audience, while at the same time allowing for the most sophisticated travellers seeking entertainment.

This facility would employ all the technological advancements that would establish Jamaica as a premier racing site comparable with international sites attracting high-calibre events and reviving this once prestigious industry.

The gaming industry is no longer taboo in our society. One just has to look at how acceptable the lottery operations have become. The previously perceived moral high ground of the Government has been shattered with the recent introduction of 'Drop Pan' (the basest and lowest form of gambling and an activity previously confined to an illegal operation in the back-rooms of our poorer neighbour-hoods). The support of a nation which has benefited in the areas of education, sports and health is bound to redound to the benefit of those who invest and those who participate. This is not a gamble.

I look around enviously and see other industries being offered incentives to ensure their success. The HoteI Incentive Act quickly comes to mind and I must "wish that were I". I call on the Government to devise and offer to the industry comparable stimuli for growth.

The racing industry generates substantial sums of money. The government needs to introduce an enlightened taxation policy which recognises and encourages investment. A policy which will ensure attractive returns to all participants and, in the end ,yield for them increased revenue. Time is not on our side. Investment and the necessary restructuring has to be put in place now.