Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Darron Cash chastised those within his party who leaked news of a rift between himself and the party over his support of the government’s plans to regularise the local gaming industry, but he denied reports that he has threatened to resign.
Mr. Cash reportedly sees regularising the web shops as a way of empowering Bahamians, but his position on the issue contradicts Party Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis’ stance.
Dr. Minnis has called on the government to respect the voices of the Bahamian people who voted against legalising web shops at last year’s referendum.
At a recent executive meeting Mr. Cash allegedly threatened to resign over his disagreement with the Opposition leader on the issue.
Behind closed doors, Mr. Cash has reportedly been urging FNM members to support the government’s bid to legalise web shops.
However, while the chairman admits that there is a difference in opinion, he denies that there was ever a threat made by him to resign.
“The only comments I propose to make are to make it clear that there is no standoff,” Mr. Cash said in a brief statement yesterday. “At various levels of the party there have been spirited discussions about a variety of issues. I have made known my personal views and as chairman I have also recommended a course of action to my party, as any party chairman is obliged to do.
“Those matters are matters for internal discussions and I regret that insiders have decided to reveal any part of those discussions.
“With respect to a threatened resignation, I have not resigned and I have not threatened to resign. A political organisation should be greater than any one individual whatever his position and I do not and would not presume to win any argument or debate with my colleagues with the threat of a resignation.”
Last week Tourism and Gaming Minister Obie Wilchombe announced that web shops will be regularised by July 1.
The announcement has been met with mixed reaction as supporters tout its benefits to the country’s economy and its critics say the government should respect the will of people and uphold last year’s ‘No” vote.
Earlier this week, Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney warned that the proposed reforms to the gaming industry could threaten the country’s high standing within the industry.
Mr. McCartney has called on the government to address whether it intends to repeal discriminatory laws that prevent Bahamians from gambling in casinos and the DNA leader questioned whether the administration intends to establish a national lottery.
