The Editor, Sir:

I wish to publish this, in order for the Church to help the Government. Thank you, God bless you. As a server in the Anglican Church in Jamaica I do not agree with casino gambling, but I have to draw a line on the Church's dissension on this matter.

Casino gambling will attract more tourists to the island. When visitors come to the country we have to let them feel happy and this will let them feel that way. If citizens want to be involved in it, a security system must be put in place to allow adults to play, and not children.

I do not agree with the Church speaking out against casinos when other issues are there that have pushed this country in the wrong direction, such as corruption. Church, we must see what is taking place in the society at this time and speak out against the bad, and give the Government more room to do what they feel can take the country out of the financial problem it is now in.

The Church is a hospital for sinners, not a place in which to hide the truth. We, as the Church, cannot be selfish about what we want to see in the country, and not give the Government the same latitude; this is not good as a church. Casinos can swell our GDP, and help to improve the country's growth.

Look on the tourism sector at this time, and note where it is coming from over the past years; tourist attractions need more development and the Government sees casino gambling as one step in that direction.

The Church should give the Government suggestions on how to let it look more attractive. In other countries that promote casino gambling their GDP is better than ours and growing. I am calling on the Government to promote casinos, and lock out the Church and let them talk until you hear them saying no more on this matter. They must speak and parti-cipate in determining other things about what is good for the country. I am not saying casinos, leave that to the Government and others; but look and see what can help us and put it to our leaders.

Finally, Church, we are the voice of God here on earth to foster growth for the people. So speak more to the Government on growth and leave casino gambling for the joy of others. God bless you.

I am, etc.,

ROBERT LEWARS

lewars72@yahoo.com

St. Catherine