By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

AMID widespread uncertainty over the approaching referendum to decide if web-shops are legalised, the church has launched an aggressive educational campaign to ensure an informed “no” vote, according to Grace Community Church Pastor Lyall Bethel.

And while the church has largely appealed to the morals of those who will turn out to the polls, Mr Bethel yesterday said Bahamians should vote “no” if they do not understand the implications of what a majority “yes“ vote could do to the country.

In addition, Mr Bethel suggested that the government could be perusing the referendum to secure public support rather than impose additional taxes on Bahamian citizens.

“Governments are not concerned with morals,” he said. “No one likes to tax because taxes cause you to lose elections.”

Mr Bethel is a part of a group of pastors who have formed the Save Our Bahamas - Vote No Campaign. The organisation’s website www.saveourbahamas.com, outlines in detail, reasons Bahamians should vote no.

These include the violation of national values, hurting the most vulnerable, adding to the nation’s social ills, causing crime to skyrocket and promoting a negative lifestyle, among other things. However, those in favour of web-shop legalisation have said the millions in tax revenue would advance education, culture and social programmes in the country.

“We have grave concerns that these organised crime bosses are allowed to advertise in newspapers, erect signs and were allowed to be in the public treasury giving out t-shirts. Where does this sudden cloak of respectability come from?

“Gambling does not put money into the economy it hoards money.

“They say everyone wins, but ask the children waiting outside while their mothers are spinning away child support cheques.

“They are preying on the vulnerable and the poor. Selling false hope to people that need help.”

He further responded to claims that voting “no” would displace 3,000 persons that are employed by the hundreds of web-shops throughout the country.

“Do they want us to say that we should be sympathetic while the fact of the matter is that they are allowing these people to be a part of organised crime.”

Moving forward, Mr Bethel defended the church’s right to speak out on web-shop legalisation.

“Gambling is a national debate and the church has the greatest clout to speak on it. We are constantly helping people. No one ought to believe that we can’t.”

As referendum day approaches, the Save Our Bahamas campaign will host a number of events, including two prayer sessions. Thousands of educational flyers and brochures are also being distributed.