Casinos lash out at Manning

Phillip then urged the business community to help in the fight against crime, saying the members clubs would like to contribute and work with the business community to fight crime.

Speaking at a press conference at the Hilton Trinidad yesterday, Phillip and other private club members vented their anger, as they believed the "venomous attacks" were against members clubs only.

Phillip said the industry directly employs more than 5,000 people, the majority being young adults who indirectly support more than 15,000 people. Phillip said a large majority of the clubs’ employees came from underprivileged areas.

"When he sends home these young people, they would just end up in their areas with the gangs and thugs and go to a life of crime," said Phillip.

"We have many other forms of legal gambling conducted in members clubs, Lotto, and racing pools. In the last four years he has consistently raised the taxes while continuing to say our members clubs operate illegally. If they (members clubs) are illegal how can he put a tax on us?" said Phillip.

The tax structure has increased by 400 percent over the last four years, and some clubs have been forced to retrench workers and decrease equipment used at the clubs. Phillip said there are currently about 30 legal private members club. "We support the regularisation of the clubs because we do not want to see one on every corner," he said.

Phillip expressed his anger at a members club official who supported the Prime Minister’s Budget Day remark.

"I would like the media to know that chosen official who spoke on behalf of the clubs is the same person who sent home more than 200 workers last year, and closed his business in order to rent it to the Government," said Phillip.

On the claims of illegal activities, such as money laundering at private members clubs, Phillip said, "the AMC has stressed on the social responsibility of all clubs, but said that money laundering can take place in any business, so why target the problem at members clubs?" Sherry Persad of Ma Pau said her organisation has contributed so much to society, including the sponsorship of female boxer Ria Ramnarine, she wondered how the private members clubs could be looked upon negatively by the Government. Persad believes the Government should concentrate more on crime and the other horrific matters in the country.