Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Michael Pintard said an FNM government would introduce a “long overdue” national lottery.
“We will introduce a national lottery for the benefit of the people of The Bahamas, a public initiative designed to generate dedicated funding for the advancement of education, sports, youth development, social intervention and culture,” he said Breezes Resort on Sunday night as the party unveiled its manifesto.
“These are areas that have too often struggled for consistent and adequate resources.
“The national lottery will change that by providing millions of dollars over time to support the development of our young people and the enrichment of our national identity.
“Importantly, the proceeds of the national lottery will not be absolved into the consolidated fund, instead they will be directed to a specially established legal structure. This fund will make sure that there is strong accountability mechanisms. This fund will be governed by a board composed in a significant way by persons who hail from the private sector.”
He said the lottery would offer prizes in the “hundreds of thousands, and even millions.”
Pintard also pledged the swift roll out of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
“We will make sure it is implemented as soon as we take over,” he said.
According to the party’s manifesto, the rollout of FOIA will begin “within the first 90 days and to be completed within the first year, which will give citizens the power to hold the government to account.”
