SOME JAMAICANS don't mind it, but most churchgoers detest it. Sunday horse racing has set off a ripple of disapproval from several denominations which have worship on the first day of the week.

On Wednesday, Caymanas Track Limited chairman, Anthony Hart, announced that racing would take place on November 29 and December 13, as an experiment, and also to commemorate 50 years of horse racing at the Caribbean's premier track, Caymanas Park. Before this announcement, races were held on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Senator Arthur Williams, Minister of state in the Ministry of Finance

Senator Arthur Williams, himself a Christian, does not believe that Sunday horse racing will affect worshippers in a negative way.

"I fully understand the position of the Church. Churches in Jamaica have long opposed gambling and I respect their views. However, gambling takes place regularly every day of the week in many ways. Horse racing also takes place on Saturday, and I would have no basis in disallowing racing on a Sunday, and having it on Saturday. You cannot discriminate against Seventh-day Adventists."

Dr Peta-Anne Baker, Social worker

Dr Peta-Anne Baker says that the Church has a right to express its objection, as gambling does create a problem in society. She, however, acknowledges the power of the State to do what it believes is best.

"I think the problem is there are many people that still subscribe to having Sunday set aside for worship. Back in the day, established churches, such as Anglicans and Roman Catholics, had the kind of relationship with the State where they could exercise considerable influence over the decision made."

Nigel Coke, Communications director, West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

"My take is that the Seventh-day Adventist Church does not condone gambling on any day at all, or any form of gambling. We don't believe that people should be dreaming about all these things. These things have people believing in get-rich-quick schemes and then it affects their reality when it does not come through."

Reverend Karl Johnson, Head of the Jamaica Baptist Union

The Reverend Karl Johnson says that churches are not solely concerned because horse racing falls on their preferred day of worship, but that another form of gambling is being introduced to the society. This, he believes, sets the country racing down the wrong path.

"The fact of the matter is we are not taking our eye off the fundamental issue of gambling. We are also determined to create a culture where the work ethic is undermined. Because there are many forms of gambling doesn't mean you should add more."