Cabinet to tighten up on gambling, ships

In news from Cabinet, that body has decided to take action against two activities
that have on occasion caused the government some embarrassment. The first
effort to tighten up involves Belize’s merchant ship registry. As frequently
reported on this newscast, Belizean registered ships operating on a flag
of convenience principle, have been regularly busted around the world
for illegal fishing and drug running. While ships committing such acts
are routinely de-registered, this has not reduced the illegal activity.
As a result the Attorney General has been instructed to review the existing
legislation with an eye to imposing more stringent regulations.

The second target of government’s heightened sense of morality involves
so called gaming machines, better known as one armed bandits, and the
establishments that house them. A review has been ordered of all licenses
already granted and the Gaming Commission has been directed to more strictly
enforce the conditions of the licenses, particularly the ban on minors
patronising the facilities. The Cabinet release also says that the licenses
will be revoked of those gambling emporiums located near schools and churches,
and that limits will be enforced on the number of machines in any one
establishment. In a move certain to be unpopular with those humble citizens
who make ten dollars last all night at the Princess, Cabinet also agreed
that in order for Belizeans to enter a casino they must show that they
are carrying a minimum of two hundred dollars. It is not clear how these
new edicts will be enforced as the Gaming Commission seems to be no more
interested in enforcing the law than our notoriously sleepy Liquor Licensing
Boards.