Thursday, November 6, 2025
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Tribune Staff Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMAS Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander said the council will release a statement on the Progressive Liberal Party’s decision to ratify Island Luck CEO Sebas Bastian for the next general election – but warned that it is “dangerous to try to put the church against politics.”
The Christian Council has long opposed the expansion of the gaming industry.
However, religious leaders have said little since Mr Bastian, the industry’s most prominent leader, announced his plan to enter frontline politics.
“I think it’s dangerous to try to put the church against politics, especially in political season, but what we say has to be from the majority of the churches,” Bishop Fernander said yesterday as he declined to give his personal view.
Mr Bastian said last month that he would step aside from his gaming business as he pursues elected office, declaring that he is “ready to serve” as the party finalises its candidate slate for the next general election.
He said he was confident in his ability to balance business and public service. “I have over 20 companies, and I’m only the CEO of one,” he said.
“I didn’t build my businesses by myself. I have more than competent teams to ensure continuity in those businesses. I’m here to serve. I have a higher purpose now, and I’m going to focus on that. So, I’m not worried about that.”
Under Section 25 of the Gaming Act, Cabinet ministers, their spouses, and immediate relatives are barred from holding gaming licences or having any ownership or financial interest in a licensed operation. Prime Minister Philip Davis has said the government will not amend the law.
Mr Bastian, who has received the endorsement of outgoing Fort Charlotte MP Alfred Sears, has outlined plans to establish a community impact centre, promote affordable housing, and address the high cost of living.
Comments
birdiestrachan says...
Them Christian people buy numbers all the time
Posted 6 November 2025, 11:45 a.m. Suggest removal
Porcupine says...
the problem is only in deciding who are the most corrupt.
The church or the politicians?
Nationalize the web shops for The People.
Are we really that dense?
Posted 6 November 2025, 1:36 p.m. Suggest removal
hrysippus says...
The National Lottery in England does a huge amount of good works, funding art projects, educational projects, historical building preservation; it is even credited with the increased number of Olympic medals won by the country through funding of sports equipment and facilities. The Bahamas had a wonderful opportunity to do the same. Sadly the failed christie administration decided to give the gambling franchise income to only a few individuals. Why it decided to do this still greatly puzzles me, surely there must have been a good reason......sigh.
Posted 6 November 2025, 5:24 p.m. Suggest removal
Porcupine says...
Thanks for that comment.
Posted 7 November 2025, 6:26 a.m. Suggest removal
screwedbahamian says...
The web shop boys swing these Christian Leaders just like they swing the poor and poorer desperate citizens, they honor these leaders through their one person charitable shell companies, bring them in to eat Lobster and steak and drink the best vines and champagnes at they tables and Bless them with lots of " Blue Marlins" in they pockets, just like they do with the politicians and the leaders sing they praises every time the Church doors are open.
Like the great Ronnie Butler use to sing " man its a Bahamian thing" has got to change to" WE THE BAHAMIANS THING" and only we Bahamians can do it!!!
Posted 7 November 2025, 7:49 a.m. Suggest removal
truetruebahamian says...
The country was insulted and lied to when Christie said that an official referendum was only an opinion poll and allowed these crooks to take for themselves what should have been a national lottery which would have given substantial funding for much needed improvements in our deteriorating structures and infrastructure.
Posted 7 November 2025, 8:30 a.m. Suggest removal
Porcupine says...
I still am asking why, if we are truly Christian, thinking, and decent nation, do we not demand to nationalize the web shops?
What are we lacking in our ability to think straight?
When did our imaginations and our critical thinking skills die?
Is it not fair to say that we have intellectually and morally failed as a nation?
Posted 7 November 2025, 10:29 a.m. Suggest removal
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