Friday, July 11, 2025
Prime Minister Philip Davis today welcomed the political aspirations of Island Luck co-founder Sebas Bastian but told reporters that there was no consideration to amend the law barring individuals with gaming licenses from serving in Cabinet.
Mr Davis described Mr Bastian as a “successful young businessman” with an “innovative mind” that could contribute to national development.
“He has expressed an interest in running and once he applies, his application will be considered in the same context as we consider any other aspirant,” Mr Davis told reporters. “But I can say, I welcome his willingness to come forward to help and build this country.”
Mr Bastian has confirmed that he is considering a political bid but has not made a final decision.
The Gaming Act currently bars Cabinet ministers and their immediate family members from holding gaming licences.
Seabreeze MP Leslia Miller-Brice recently told The Tribune that she supports amending the law. It is widely speculated that Miller-Brice was bypassed for a Cabinet post due to her husband’s ties to the gaming industry.
On Friday, the prime minister firmly ruled out any amendments to existing laws.
“I don’t think we will amend the law to have Cabinet ministers to have an interest in gaming licenses,” Mr Davis said. “That’s not on the table for me.”
Comments
joeblow says...
"*But I can say, I welcome his willingness to come forward to help and build this country.*”
Undermining the work ethic, creating a generation of gambling addicts, siphoning off the resources from "over the hill" creating more poverty and hardship for poor Bahamians is not nation building. Of course I could be wrong!
Posted 11 July 2025, 2:52 p.m. Suggest removal
joeblow says...
... if there is a law to be amended it should be the one that allows a few people control of gambling in the country. It should be nationalized and managed by a non-Bahamian entity with experience doing the same.
How did this country become so corrupt??
Posted 11 July 2025, 2:57 p.m. Suggest removal
empathy says...
Not sure it should e a “non-Bahamian entity”, however I totally agree about the opening up of that industry. This ‘monopoly’ should not continue indefinitely…
Posted 11 July 2025, 5:10 p.m. Suggest removal
sheeprunner12 says...
The words of the PM are absolutely valueless ........ He will say whatever he believes the citizens will swallow for the political advantage of the PLP.
If the 242 citizens are that stupid to give the PLP another term in office, that gambling law will be one of the first bills introduced after Parliament reconvenes.
I will bet a cool 💯 on that 🧐🧐🧐
Posted 11 July 2025, 4:01 p.m. Suggest removal
screwedbahamian says...
If Nation builders entail acquiring wealth illegally at the expense of the majority of the very poor citizens who risk their small income for a dream of feeding their family or providing the necessary clothing to send their children to school, and then that illegal wealth washed clean by the decision of one person lead government ( a judas) despite the overwhelming disapproval of the voting majority of the nation's citizens, then every young person will seize the opportunity to aspire to be a nation builder (citizen or non-citizen) in our Bahamas. We must be careful as our young people are observing and holding politicians accountable more that ever. The future of our nation can only be our young people with values and creditability.
Posted 12 July 2025, 9:46 a.m. Suggest removal
ExposedU2C says...
Is it me or does Davis's head look terribly bloated in the above photo. I know he has nothing but fat between his ears....but my God it looks like it will soon be oozing out of his ears.
Posted 12 July 2025, 4:13 p.m. Suggest removal
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