Tourism Minister Wilchcombe is totally correct that casino gaming has been a major factor in the growth of Bahamas tourism. I worked in the Bahamas resort hotel industry for 20 years in Nassau, Freeport and finally when Paradise Island moved the old Bahamian Club seasonal casino, to the Island after the bridge opened in 1967. Much of Freeport and Paradise Islands's tourism infrastructure would not have happened without casino gaming. And I doubt we would be seeing the multi $billion Baha Mar investment either, absent this substantial entertainment amenity. Adding sports betting gives the Bahamas an additional attraction, that is absent in Florida, the Midwest and Northeast casino jurisdictions, which are so important to Bahamas tourism. The Minister is correct, that competitive Islands, like Jamaica, are adding full casino resorts, like PI, in an effort to improve their visitations. After looking at the success of Macau and more recently Singapore, gaming has proven to be a strong driver of travel and a major job, tax and construction provider.

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