The Editor, Sir:

There is no question that the implementation of casinos is important to the development of the country. Any debate pertaining to national development includes a multiplicity of political, economic, and social interests. Therefore, although religious dogma can be important, it must be seen as one out of the many social perspectives that have to be contemplated with regard to policy initiatives.

The gospel of church leaders regarding casinos includes further damage to family life, children, and the general moral fabric of society, as well as the marginalisation of the poor. Unsubstantiated claims that the Government has not considered the negative implications of casino gambling for the country have also been made.

Vociferous objection

The position of the religious leaders is critically undermined due to the fact that gambling in many forms takes place on a daily basis without the same heightened level of vociferous objection from the Church. As such, their emotional appeals cause many observers to question their political mandate.

The advantages of casinos, which far outweigh the potential deleterious effects, include the usual benefits of tourism such as increased revenue, business and industry development, increased taxes, foreign exchange, job creation, and infrastructure development of roads, water, and electricity. Obviously, there would have to be strategies to deal with likely casino-related crime. However, initiatives such as the police surveillance of the Hip Strip in Montego Bay show that crime can be curtailed with a competent and adequately funded crime-prevention programme. The current administration is definitely on the right track with this policy initiative.

I am, etc.,

ANTONN BROWN

brown.ant@gmail.com

Mandeville, Jamaica