Penghu(彭湖): Casinos not the answer
Sunday, Sep 14, 2008, Page 8

President Ma Ying-jeou’s (馬英九) comment that only economically disadvantaged outlying islands would be considered as casino venues needs a rethink (“Ma offers outlying islands hope of developing casinos,” Sept. 9, page 3).

A referendum held in 2003 showed that around 57 percent of Penghu’s (彭湖) residents backed the casino plan. This figure is often used by politicians when justifying the development. What is often not mentioned is that the voter turnout was 21 percent. Interpreted another way, only 11 percent of residents have backed the plan.

No doubt the 11 percent are those who would benefit most from the development. The other 89 percent are justifiably cautious. Do they really want a casino in their backyard? Do they want their children working at a casino? Would you?

Penghu’s residents do need tourists, but they also need to consider what kind of tourists they want. There are alternatives to casino development and the associated social ills. Penghu should be leveraging its rich environmental and cultural heritage. There are many and varied successful examples to be found across Asia.

Casino developments are solutions put forward by leaders with no imagination. Leaders looking for a quick (unsustainable) fix. I hope democracy prevails and the residents of Penghu are able to decide what is best for them and their children.