Howard Hamilton

I am constantly amazed at how the obvious continues to elude those who are the decision makers. This article has been written before the promised month-end announcement by the Minister of Finance on the divestment of Caymanas Race Track Ltd.

This process of negotiations has been long and protracted, but I doubt if there will be any announcement which will inspire hope that the racing industry will be set on a path to achieve its tremendous potential.

Gaming has not been recognised in Jamaica as an integral part of the expanding global leisure industry. This sector continues to be the fastest-growing social and economic activity globally.

Our tourism sector is expanding to reflect this global growth. In a few months, there will an additional 7000 rooms which will add some $500 billion to the economy each year.

The new director of tourism has been reported as being concerned at the quality of entertainment being offered to our visitors, and whether we will be able to take full advantage of these additional rooms. Coming as he does from The Bahamas, I can understand his despair. The quality of our shopping opportunities, restaurants and entertainment is not of the standard to support this expansion. These are all important features of a properly regulated gaming industry.

The most recent survey on gaming showed that the introduction of casinos in a regulated manner would add value to our tourism product. The response of church leaders was really revealing. They expressed their ignorance on how the gaming industry has evolved. They felt that, with proper regulation and facilities to cope with problem gamblers, then there were positive benefits to be gained from the introduction of casinos and selected hotels.

Willy-nilly

I doubt if that report has even been read. There has certainly been no comment back to the committee that was established - by the Government - to survey the latest position on the introduction of casinos and report back to them. In the meantime, the Gaming Commission (BGC&L) has been issuing licences willy-nilly and we have a problem of casinos being established with electronic dealers and all the gaming opportunities of a fully-fledged casino but none of the important ancillary benefits:

No exclusive shopping oppor-tunities with Gucci, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, etc.

No skilled employment.

No exotic shows with comedians, illusionists, acrobats, dancers, etc.

No top class restaurants and more

Very few people appreciate that in Las Vegas the income from retail marketing, entertainment and restaurants is much more than that from the gaming activity. This is a clear case that a properly developed casino operation encourages 'more wholesome' activities that over time will generate substantially more income.

But then, the development of all of this requires people with vision, tenacity, and a fixity of purpose. We had such a public servant but he was hounded out of office for being too forward thinking.

The racing industry needs people who understand its fantastic potential and are willing to work with others to make this dream a reality. We are, however, plagued in the industry by selfishness and egotism. Everybody wants to be a chief but nobody wants to be an Indian.

Recent developments bring this even more strongly into focus. It is generally agreed that the only way for the racing industry to move forward is for there to be a significant increase in the tote turnover. This is so for all race tracks. Most of them have shown positive growth by selling their signal to other tracks. Those tracks that are less popular have had to bargain - "I will take your signal if you will take mine." This has proven to be a win-win situation for all parties.

Race tracks now have available the technology for placing bets directly into the pool of the tracks from whom they take the signal. This works both ways and has secured an expanded pool for all the tracks. Horsemen have been the main beneficiary. This situation with Caymanas Park is no different. They now have an opportunity to make a meaningful change in the way they have been accustomed to doing business. An opportunity exists for Caymanas Track Ltd. to sell their signal, initially, to some 60-odd outlets that have a strong Jamaican presence.

The opportunities for expansion in this market are real and there is hope that this initiative will move forward quickly and with little objection. I will be keeping a keen interest in this development. Already, there are rumblings that would seek to destabilise this important opportunity.

The initiative offered to Caymanas Track Ltd is a 'blessing from heaven' for all horsemen - jockeys, trainers, grooms, owners, breeders and the hard-pressed promoters. Let us all show in a tangible way our serious interest in developing viable racing industry.

Howard L.Hamilton CD, JP is a former chairman of Caymanas Track Ltd and is currently president of the Thoroughbred. Owners and Breeders Association of Jamaica Ltd. He can be contacted at howham@cwjamaica.com