Ennis regrets gambling incident

Erica Virtue, Staff Reporter

MINISTER of State in the Ministry of Finance, Errol Ennis, said last week that he was deeply disappointed that he unwittingly tarnished his reputation when two cheques he issued in a slot machine game were returned.

According to him, his love for playing slot machines, which he uses mostly for relaxation, damaged the reputation he has worked so hard to build and maintain.

In an interview on Thursday, the Junior Minister, considered by many of his colleagues to be one of the "brightest" in the ruling People's National Party (PNP) said: "I'm disappointed, and the whole thing is regrettable. I am not a gambler. I play slot machines as a hobby. I've played them all over the world, but it was not until December last year that I started playing them here. And look what has resulted from what was a private matter."

According to him, his boss, Finance Minister, Omar Davies, was "as disappointed in me as I am with myself" over the incident.

However, he said he will not allow this episode to prevent him from continuing to make a contribution to improving the lives of the people in his constituency of West Portland and the island of Jamaica.

"I am going to seek re-election," Mr. Ennis said. "I do not think the matter will affect my chances. It is a way to tarnish my reputation and it was carelessness on my part. It will be an issue and I will have to deal with it."

Minister Ennis was relieved of all duties concerning the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission in March this year. He now has direct responsibilities for project implementation of the North Coastal Highway Project and the Kuwaiti Road projects islandwide.

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