Business Consultant, and daughter of social activist, Ms. Avanella Griffith, Ms. Avern Gumbs, has joined the ranks of those objecting to two proposed casinos outlets on Anguilla.
Ms. Gumbs was among persons present at the Public Consultation held on Tuesday 21st March, 2023, to hear the views of persons on Casino Gaming on the island.
During her contribution, Ms. Gumbs analyzed the lines of the National Song. She deliberately drew the attention of the Honourable Premier and Chair of the Evening Dr Ellis Webster to the words which speak to the virtues of Anguilla marching on, carrying the banner of truth and right.
“As a business consultant,” she said, “I do understand that bottom lines matter, and I do understand that economic growth is important. And so, I understand that casino gaming can bring in great revenues if it happens. However, the one question that I would like to leave in the air is: How does God feel about this?”
Ms. Gumbs shared a few snippets of her views on Key Performance Indicators, relative to effective leadership, which she uses in her own business practices.
“In your leadership capacity you (the Honourable Premier Dr. Webster) are the doorway for some one’s breakthrough. You are a gatekeeper to the supernatural success or downfall of organizations and the people you serve,” she said. “So as a leader, it is not only your ability to physically issue vision and directives, but most importantly it is your ability to be sensitive to submission, receiving instruction from God to operate in obedience…”
The following is an extract from Ms. Gumbs presentation.
“God bless Anguilla…What is the principle behind receiving God’s blessings? What are the prerequisites in order to receive blessing according to God?
“…Nurture and keep her…Would the implementation of this [casino] policy nurture us and keep us safe in God’s arms?
“…Noble and beauteous…Are we being noble in these policy implementations? What is beauteous about it?
“…She stands midst the sea, oh land of the happy, a haven we’ll make thee…What type of haven are we making Anguilla?
“…Our lives and love we give unto thee…How do we define love? What lives are we giving?
“…With heart and soul we build our nation proud, strong and free. We’ll love her, hold her, dear to our hearts for eternity. Let truth and right our banner be, we will march ever on…Where did our fight go? Are we a people that would just give up when we stumble upon a roadblock, wondering how do we expand the economy or, how do we diversify the economy?
“…Mighty we’ll make her…Are we digging deep enough to find what might we have left within us?
“…Long may she prosper, God grant our leaders…like yourself, much wisdom and grace…Now, I know that this must be a very difficult time for you, and I know that there is a heavy weight on your shoulders, but my prayer for you is that God does grant you wisdom and grace. (To this the Premier answered Thank You)
“…May glory and honour…How do we receive God’s glory? How do we receive his honor?
“…Ever attend her. Firm shall she stand…What are we standing firmly upon today?
“…Throughout every age…So, what type of legacy would our children know? What type of legacy would their children know, since it will continue throughout every age?
The Consultation allowed persons to share their views on the draft policy that introduces Casino Gaming to the island.
Subsequent to the Consultation conservatives have been voicing their objection the introduction of Casino Gaming citing that it may be the demise of Anguilla’s tranquility and moral fibre among other issues.
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.
