Security concerns over Mahoe Gaming

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The United States has raised ‘national security concerns’ over the China-based service provider Mahoe Gaming, who were issued a new lottery licence.

I am concerned that the BGLC has not taken the necessary steps to secure Jamaica and Jamaican interests with this new entrant to the gaming sector. How much do we know about this new Chinese player? Have we checked and double-checked the motives and motivation to enter a multi-lottery system when more and more jurisdictions across the world are opting for a single gaming player?

The United States at this moment knows more than they are revealing and as a Jamaican, I find that reality chilling. Why doesn’t Vitus Evans and the BGLC share the same concern?

Following the issuing of the new lottery licence last week, the BGLC admitted that it is yet to carry out its due diligence. Isn’t this a classic case of putting the cart before the horse? What’s the rush, anyway?

The BGLC owes Jamaica an explanation. We demand to know what and who exactly we are allowing to enter the Jamaican market, how this will impact lovernment revenue and, most importantly, what has alerted the US to this particular licensee.

P. MCLEAN

EDITOR'S NOTE
Since the publication of this letter it has been clarified by the principals of Mahoe Gaming Enterprises Ltd. that the company is a 100 per cent Jamaican-owned entity. A clarification letter has since been published on behalf of the company.