Long-term effects of casinos disastrous

I SUPPORT the GG’s call to repeal the Casino Act of 2007. The short-term effects of casino is they provide a quick way to boost economic growth creating employment and other spin-off activities, pumping much needed cash into the economy.
However, the long-term effects far outweigh all the above.
The kind of jobs created is not sustainable, the money that it will generate will probably leave our shores and the financial impacts on individual household incomes will be devastating.
The bulk of the population live below the poverty level. So how much will be left for the household use?
Already many are hooked with small-scale gambling such as pokies and horse racing.
Are they ready to move into big-time gambling like casino?
Papua New Guinea is rated as a low income earner by the World Bank with more than half of the population well below the world average income.
You can imagine the impact it will have on families if household members regularly frequent the casino.
The elites may argue that it is a way of leisure and relaxation as they have the extra cash to throw around.
What about the others whose average income is K200 per fortnight?
Developed nations are able to combat their social problems associated with casinos because they have facilities and services to help those who get hooked into gambling.
Does the PNG Government have such services in place to combat this problem?
Where are the health facilities to cater for diseases both mentally and physically that are linked to gambling?
If it does not have such contingencies in place, it should really consider the impact it will have on the population.
There are different aspects that are attributed to a stable nation but the simple and most overlooked aspect is strong families.
Simply put, stable families go a long way in creating a strong nation both socially and economically.
Strong families produce healthy vibrant, robust and entrepreneurial minds that drive forth a nation economically as well as globally.
Finally, there are other economic activities which can boost growth not only in the short-term but sustainable.
It is sad to see the Government choosing an easier option when it can do better with all its highly qualified economic advisers.
I commend the governor-general because he is someone who puts a lot of value on families and I have no doubt that there are other politicians who also share the same mindset as him.
It is time that you come forth and stand up for the very values that hold your own families intact.
There is no moving forward if the very fibre and organisation that holds a nation in place is threatened by this evil.

M Paliou
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