A casino on Front Street is essential to revitalizing the waterfront and bringing tourists back to Bermuda.
That's the verdict of former Premier Sir John Swan, who wants to see the "wasted space" along Hamilton harbour transformed into a Monte Carlo style attraction.
He told the Bermuda Sun that a single, independently owned casino - recommended for Hamilton in a Government Green Paper - could be an economic engine for a variety of other developments on Front Street.
He believes the waterfront is currently an embarrassment, offering little incentive for tourists to step off the cruise ships or outside of their hotels.
The property developer sponsored an exhibition for design ideas on revitalising the waterfront as far back as 2004.
Sir John said a casino is the only way to finance a slew of other suggestions for making the most of the space overlooking the harbour, currently used primarily for car parking.
He believes it would also provide jobs and opportunities for Bermudians in the grip of an economic crisis.
And he has urged parliamentarians to pass specific legislation sanctioning gaming on a one-off basis for a casino at the heart of Front Street.
"It has to happen. To see tourism go the way it has gone, Front Street go the way it has gone and to see so many people unemployed - if we are not getting the message then there is something wrong."
The Green Paper, based on a report by research company Innovation and an independent Bermuda Task Force on Gaming headed by lawyer Wendell Hollis, highlights a single casino in Hamilton as the best option for Bermuda.
"Given the dynamics of the Hamilton market both for local Bermudians and tourists a location in downtown would provide an opportunity for a destination casino similar to a Monaco situation."
Sir John said this would be the ideal situation and the catalyst for a renewed push to transform the harbourside.
He cautioned against the concept that the casino would generate so much profit it could be used to solve every problem in Bermuda. And he suggested the tax and land lease profits from a casino development should be ploughed back into waterfront development projects.
"When people come off the ships in Dockyard and we ferry them over to Hamilton there should be something for them to do not just a couple of public toilets and a few shops with nothing for them to buy...
"My view has always been that Hamilton waterfront should be a focal point and a greeting place for Bermudians and tourists. There are a number of ideas, including a public park. A casino should be part of it. You need something to support the other projects and there is nothing else you can put there that would have the same effect."
He said he had no plans of his own to run or operate a casino but believes it should be run and operated by Bermudians.
"When you go down to the Bahamas that is what you see and the people working there are very proud of what they do."
Sir John said the next step would be for the Corporation to endorse the idea and for the Government and the Corporation to work together on making it a reality.
Sir John said he did not believe that Government was trying to get rid of the Corporation and he said the two bodies needed to work together.
"The most important thing is that the benefits should accrue to the people of Bermuda."
Sir John is optimistic that his hopes of a waterfront development, driven by the casino, will happen eventually.
"I've always believed this will happen; it is just a question of when. There are a lot of average people out there who depend on jobs, pensions, investments, who are beginning to realize the country does not have the sustainability it needs.
"We've got to put some stability back into the economy."
No Sir John, YOU need a casino, WE do not!
@ Sheila theyare claiming they will use some of the profits to deal with the social ills created by gambling. They clearly are anticipating the rise in addiction, prostitution, violence etc. These people have absolutely no moral standing. It is up to the people of heart and integrity to put pressure on the government. If not, say good bye to life as we have known it on our island home.
Posted: Friday, March 12, 2010
Comment by:
Sheila Warren
No, Bermuda does not need any casinos. It appears that they have enough financial problems to be solved.
Who will pay for those that become addicted to gambling, because it will definately become a problem!
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2010
Comment by:
Sara
@ letariatpro
You hit the nail on the head! Until government gives us transparency, we don't need to support casinos. Let me access my crystal ball and see who will get the contracts to build a mega casino.
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2010
Comment by:
letariatpro
My post seems to have gone 'Missing'. So I will say it again, we need to focus on good governance and transparency before we even think about casinos here. No Government official or civil servant should have any connection directly or indirectly, no blind trusts, no kickbacks. Everything needs to be accounted for and above board.
Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2010
Comment by:
Bruce McClarron / Arizona
Well Sir John....Get yourself back into the political arena - and as they say...Get 'R' Done!! You have the clout and the connections - You just need to get the 'Church Brigade' on your side!! Tell them...No casino, then NO more church bingo!!
Posted: Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Comment by:
An Intelligent Bermudian
This push for gambling is a desperate move of a drowning leadership. Money means nothing without a vision for the future. An island is like a boat out at sea, and though we are physically fixed in place the current of our culture flows. Like a boat on the open seas we need a direction as a nation, a port of call we aim to reach, a destination for our people to arrive. Building a casino in Bermuda is like dropping anchor at full sail in a hurricane – and for those in a nation who USED to know about the sea, not just business, you will understand the suicidal and disastrous implications. Gambling offers no direction, just bigger holes in an already sinking ship.
Posted: Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Comment by:
Ya boy de Serpent
Goodbye Bermuda ssss! I have finally sssssseduced you from your good nature ssssss. There are no limitsssss, you will be great. All you need is casinosssss yessssss. Thatsss the anssswer to your prayersssss bredrenssss.
Posted: Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Comment by:
Swanie (no relation)
Unfortunately, casinos are a necessary evil in revitalizing the economy and tourism in Bermuda. I know there is a plan to get casinos on the island and many hotel developers are waiting to construct their hotels with casinos in them. Hopefully the Govt will get our blessing first rather than ram it down our throats. The churches will be vocal against this but there is so much more to gain given the state the island is in. I do not gamble (casino style) but I am for casinos.
Posted: Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Comment by:
Robin Hamill
Perhaps this is a good idea, but the conflict of interest is a problem for me.
Posted: Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Comment by:
Sara
Casinos are a huge operation and would require tons of employees! Are the owners prepared to offer training so these jobs go to a Bermudians at a fair Bermudian wage?
