Gambling referendum activists fight on...

Signature-gathering for the petition pushing for a referendum on casino gaming continues. Earlier this month, a nonpartisan group of activists launched a petition drive and have since distributed the petition to all OBA and PLP MPs.

Last month, the OBA said gaming legislation would be brought to the legislature without a referendum. 

The announcement represented an about-face; the party had previously pledged to have a gaming referendum. At the time, Premier Craig Cannonier said the opposition would undermine the referendum process.

The petition group says a referendum would offer the best opportunity for the community to make an informed decision on casino gaming.

“It is our belief that a referendum on casino gambling is the right thing to do, in as much as it provides a credible vehicle to settle the issue of casino gambling in Bermuda, one way or the other,” said Jonathan Starling, one of the activists behind Referendum for Bermuda.  “The lead-up to a referendum allows for a truly objective educational campaign involving both for and against campaigns.”

The petitions are now available at: Rock Island Cafe on Reid Street; Kirk’s Jewellers on Front Street; BIU Headquarters on Union Street; BIU Gas Station on Dundonald Street.