Jamaica prepares for inaugural Sunday horse race as officials fight ban on off-track bets
By: HOWARD CAMPBELL
Associated Press
11/25/09 2:30 PM PST
KINGSTON, JAMAICA — Jamaica will for the first time allow horse racing on Sundays in a bid to revive the economy and draw tourists, but will ban off-track betting on that day.
The decision to allow races on Sundays came despite ardent opposition from church leaders who had argued it would lead to gambling addictions and bankruptcies. But the Rev. Michael Shim-Hue, chairman of Jamaica's Pentecostal Union, said leaders are satisfied with the ban on off-track bets.
Horse racing officials plan to fight the decision that off-track betting parlors close on Sundays.
The first Sunday race is scheduled for Nov. 29.
Information Minister Daryl Vaz said Wednesday he will meet with promoters and decide whether the ban will remain in place for a second race scheduled Dec. 13.
When the government debated whether to allow Sunday races, Finance Ministry spokesman Arthur Williams had said it would help revive the island's struggling economy and attract more tourists.
Races are usually held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, drawing thousands of spectators who bet on horses with names such as "Explosive Cat" and "Super Dave."
Kingston's Caymanas Park is the island's only thoroughbred track, and promoter Caymanas Track Limited owns 62 off-track betting parlors.
Spokesman Christopher Armond said he is disappointed by the decision and will push to reverse the ban.
