The Editor, Sir:

It is about time. But we must do it right. We do not want what happened to the tourist industry to happen with the gambling industry. The duty-free and souvenirs market have been totally sold out to foreigners. Goods are brought in from overseas and sold in Jamaica and I am sure that much of that money does not remain in Jamaica. Not many Jamaicans benefit directly from visitors who buy tourist products in Jamaica. It is time to offer duty-free licences to all qualified Jamaicans.

Now, as for casinos, the profits are badly needed for education and health care. May I suggest that only Jamaican-born citizens be allowed to be casino owners. At least 80 per cent of employees must be Jamaicans with minimum hourly rate per US standards. I would also recommend that the Government be a 50/50 partner to ensure that most of the money remains in the Govt's coffers. The right to own a casino and be a partner must be offered to all eligible Jamaicans and not just the rich ones. Equal opportunity must be given to everyone qualified who has the potential to own and run such an entity.

Remember, casinos can be both large and small. On a similar note it is time to create a national Jamaican lottery for education. In America, lottery is owned by each individual state, and not privately owned, so the profits go to education and care for the elderly (in some states). I should have the choice of whether I want to support Supreme Ventures or my child's education via a nationally owned lottery.

I am, etc.,

D. VASSELL

danulot@yahoo.com

Pembroke Pines

Florida

Via Go-Jamaica