Crockwell: “Not a panacea,” but a boost for tourism
The government of Bermuda, which had originally planned to hold a referendum on gaming on the island at the end of 2013, says it opted to make a legislative decision because the Opposition Progressive Labor Party threatened to undermine the voting.
According to the Jamaica Gleaner, the government also said it would save $500,000 by cancelling the referendum and leaving the decision to the politicians. But a newly formed community group is calling on Bermudians to “rise to the occasion” by signing a petition in support of a referendum.
“This was a difficult decision for the government, but in the circumstances we are confident it was the right one for Bermuda,” said Minister of Tourism Shawn Crockwell. He cited “recent polling” that suggests 70 percent of Bermudians favor the legalization of gaming in Bermuda “to assist in bringing jobs, increase tourism and generate revenue on the island.”
The government has announced it will follow an integrated-resort model “similar to the Aruban and Singaporean casino models,“ and will site casino facilities in new or existing hotels, rather than in stand-alone facilities.
Crockwell said the public would still “have a voice in this process” through a dedicated website, reported the Bermuda Royal Gazette. The people also can air concerns or voice support at six town hall meetings, scheduled to begin at the end of the month.
“It is paramount that the government now engages the public with salient information concerning what we are proposing and all of the main issues surrounding the industry,” said Crockwell. “We want to disseminate the facts and hear everyone’s view on the issue.”
The minister said casino gaming is “not a panacea, but a much-needed amenity for our tourism product. We must augment our tourism offerings and we must enhance our tourism infrastructure. The data shows that with the implementation of responsible and well-regulated casino gaming, we can attract new high-end hotel brands and additional hotel inventory.” Casinos should also spur additional development including new hotels that will lead to more jobs, he said.
Tourism accounts for about 28 percent of Bermuda’s gross domestic product, of which 84 percent comes from the North American market, especially the United States, according to the Caribbean Journal.
Bermuda Premier Craig Cannonier says gaming could “end the misery” of Bermudians suffering under a poor economy, and lead to more resort development. It would be a “game changer,” he said. Last year the island welcomed its first casino cruise ships.
“We have a wonderful opportunity to set the example by working together to implement the best holistic casino gaming model the world has ever seen,” Crockwell said. “Let us usher in a tourism renaissance together.”
