A local Teacher, Ms. Judy Guthrie, is sharing her emotional reaction to the news that Casino Gaming is being considered for Anguilla.
Ms. Guthrie has been a teacher in Anguilla for many years. She had come to Anguilla as a regular tourist from the U.S., fell in love with the island, and opted to stay and work here.
She made her views clear on the casino issue at the Public Consultation on Tuesday 21st March, 2023, speaking directly to the Honourable Premier, Dr. Ellis L. Webster.
“I am proud to be an Anguillian,” she said, “and this is very emotional for me. When I first heard about casino gambling in Anguilla, I was devastated. I felt heartbroken and rather betrayed.”
“I have known Anguilla since 1986 as a tourist. And, as all the tourists who come to Anguilla know, there is something very unique about this place. People who come here feel that uniqueness immediately. This uniqueness does not exist in any other island that I was ever at,” Ms. Guthrie said.
“Nowhere has touched my heart like Anguilla did from the moment I got here. And living here and teaching the children here has been the richest blessing of my life,” she continued. “So, I say this with my heart totally: while I understand that the Government has to function and make money, I am not sure that this move toward casinos honours this country. This plan for casinos does not honour what I have known Anguilla to be – what I know you know Anguilla is. So, have we lost sight of what Anguilla is because of the dollar?”
“All of my tourist friends whom I have mentioned this to in the last week, or so, were appalled,” she stressed. “These are people who love Anguilla like me. They came here because the island was so beautiful, special and unique. They love Anguilla passionately, and they love the people. These are not your casino people.”
“I am worried about who you are gonna bring here, because when I think of casinos, I think of organised crime, money laundering, and all of the negative things that we read about,” she said. “Yes, I am frightened for this island that I love so much…I know you are doing your best, but I wish there was another way, because I don’t think casinos honour what Anguilla is all about.”
The Consultation allowed persons to share their views on the draft policy for introducing Casino Gaming to the island.
The proposed draft policy addresses matters related to casino gambling, including table games, slot machines, betting and other games of chance.
The draft policy says that the Government of Anguilla is desirous of creating a luxury gaming environment that limits competition locally via a regulated gaming industry.
The draft policy also notes that a competitive quality gaming environment will attract high gaming budget customers, and facilitate maximum tax benefits as gaming operators maximise revenues.
