Premier touts more jobs, revenues with regulated gambling
Speaking at the Ninth Sitting of the Second session of the Fourth House Of Assembly tonight June 16, 2020, he said over the years, the Territory has moved from a more agriculture-based economy to one that is of tourism then eventually into financial services.
Tourism & financial services facing challenges
"This is why today so many of our Virgin Islands (VI) people have hotels, guest houses, Air B&B and other kinds of rental accommodations," he said, noting that even more businesses arose out of the sector.
He said, however, that while the two sectors have served the VI well, he said recent events have prompted the administration to realise that complacency is not an option.
Premier Fahie noted that financial services is also being challenged due to moves in the international arena and tourism has seen a drop due to catastrophic events like Hurricanes, and more recently, the advent of COVID-19 is another major upset to the industry.
Diversifying the local economy
With the introduction of gambling legislation, the Premier said the hope is to have another revenue stream given that the Territory cannot depend on the United Kingdom (UK) for robust financial support when facing challenges.
Hon Fahie said, "a managed and regulated gaming and betting industry is also an opportunity to create jobs and to attract and earn revenue and that is the context in which this legislation is being brought here today," even as the Territory seeks other economic diversification options.
The motion for the Second and Third Readings of the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act, 2020, was seconded by Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) and is currently being debated in the House.
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35 Responses to “Premier touts more jobs, revenues with regulated gambling”
stop letting folks get under your skin, simple mind think simple things
Everyone is “Island People”, unless you happen to come from a continent. And some of those are just big islands.
No matter where we come from, we’re all simply neighbors on this planet.
New job opportunities for armoured car services will benefit and a few pretty South American girls offered jobs at the crap tables, otherwise only local fag end sweepers will get a piece of the action !
Man of God Premier, Gambling is a sin. It's in the Bible.
Come up with other ideas to generate revenue.
For the want of a shoe the horse was lost,
For the want of a horse the rider was lost,
For the want of a rider the battle was lost,
For the want of a battle the kingdom was lost,
And all for the want of a horseshoe-nail.” B. Franklin.
Morals going down the drain.
Proverbs 14:12