The local church community is gearing up to mount a strong lobby against plans to allow Sunday horse racing meets at Caymanas Park in St. Catherine.
Tony Hart, Chairman of Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) announced Wednesday that approval had been granted for Sunday racing with two such events scheduled for November 29 and December 13.
But this has not gone down well with the Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) which is strongly opposed to all forms of gambling.
The Council says it is surprised that permission has been given for racing to take place on the day of worship.
Reverend Dr. Paul Gardener, JCC President says he will be consulting with other members of the Council Thursday to formulate an official response on the matter.
Gambling is JA's shame says Rev. Dr. Garth
And another church group has expressed alarm at what it says is the growing number of gambling ventures taking place in Jamaica.
According to the Jamaica Association of Evangelicals, little regard is being shown to the negative effects of gambling on the society.
Reverend Dr. Peter Garth, Member of the Association is worried that the country is heading in the wrong direction with increased focus being placed on gambling.
"We are alarmed at even the recent announcement that Supreme Ventures Limited now has the right to have Jamaicans gamble on sporting activities outside of Jamaica ... it is appalling. To me, it's become Jamaica's shame that we are heading in that direction and I believe that it's because of a paucity of ideas ... it is a big circus going on," said Reverend Dr. Garth.
http://www.radiojamaica.com/content/view/21647/26/
Tony Hart, Chairman of Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) announced Wednesday that approval had been granted for Sunday racing with two such events scheduled for November 29 and December 13.
But this has not gone down well with the Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) which is strongly opposed to all forms of gambling.
The Council says it is surprised that permission has been given for racing to take place on the day of worship.
Reverend Dr. Paul Gardener, JCC President says he will be consulting with other members of the Council Thursday to formulate an official response on the matter.
Gambling is JA's shame says Rev. Dr. Garth
And another church group has expressed alarm at what it says is the growing number of gambling ventures taking place in Jamaica.
According to the Jamaica Association of Evangelicals, little regard is being shown to the negative effects of gambling on the society.
Reverend Dr. Peter Garth, Member of the Association is worried that the country is heading in the wrong direction with increased focus being placed on gambling.
"We are alarmed at even the recent announcement that Supreme Ventures Limited now has the right to have Jamaicans gamble on sporting activities outside of Jamaica ... it is appalling. To me, it's become Jamaica's shame that we are heading in that direction and I believe that it's because of a paucity of ideas ... it is a big circus going on," said Reverend Dr. Garth.
http://www.radiojamaica.com/content/view/21647/26/
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