Bahamas News
04-13-05, - 09:08 PM
Haitian Men Charged With Illegal Gaming
Bianca Symonette
The Bahama Journal
Maurice Merizier, 51, of Nichol’s Court, was charged in a magistrate’s court on Tuesday for allegedly being in possession of lottery materials and also for the alleged sale of lottery numbers at his restaurant and bar on Key West Street.
Police also claim that Merizier was found with $5,632 in cash which is believed to be the proceeds of illegal gambling.
Merizier and Samuel Joseph were also charged with bribery. It is alleged that on April 8 the men tried to bribe Assistant Superintendent Theophilus Cunningham with $800.
Both men pleaded not guilty and were granted bail in the sum of $5,000 with two sureties.
Joseph, a 28-year-old Haitian national who resides on Fire Trail Road, was required to pay his bail in cash because his immigration status was unknown.
The matter was adjourned to July 7.
Over the last few months, many web shops, which authorities believe are involved in illegal gaming, have popped up all over New Providence and are becoming more elaborate.
Employees or affiliates of the web shops are out on the streets before betting hours with computer palm pilots entering in customers’ numbers, which are later downloaded onto the main computers of the web shops, authorities have said.
Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe, who is responsible for gaming, has addressed the issue before, stating that the problem was a difficult one to tackle.
In another court matter, a 38-year old employee of the Royal Bahamian Sandals Resort was charged with 13 counts of stealing amounting to $63,625.
It is alleged that Susan Davis, a supervisor in housekeeping, was stealing by way of an Asue which she managed.
Davis, a resident of number 848 Mermaid Boulevard, held the Asue from July 2004 to December 2004, according to authorities.
She was granted bail in the sum of $25,000 and her case was adjourned to June 21.
Bianca Symonette
The Bahama Journal
Maurice Merizier, 51, of Nichol’s Court, was charged in a magistrate’s court on Tuesday for allegedly being in possession of lottery materials and also for the alleged sale of lottery numbers at his restaurant and bar on Key West Street.
Police also claim that Merizier was found with $5,632 in cash which is believed to be the proceeds of illegal gambling.
Merizier and Samuel Joseph were also charged with bribery. It is alleged that on April 8 the men tried to bribe Assistant Superintendent Theophilus Cunningham with $800.
Both men pleaded not guilty and were granted bail in the sum of $5,000 with two sureties.
Joseph, a 28-year-old Haitian national who resides on Fire Trail Road, was required to pay his bail in cash because his immigration status was unknown.
The matter was adjourned to July 7.
Over the last few months, many web shops, which authorities believe are involved in illegal gaming, have popped up all over New Providence and are becoming more elaborate.
Employees or affiliates of the web shops are out on the streets before betting hours with computer palm pilots entering in customers’ numbers, which are later downloaded onto the main computers of the web shops, authorities have said.
Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe, who is responsible for gaming, has addressed the issue before, stating that the problem was a difficult one to tackle.
In another court matter, a 38-year old employee of the Royal Bahamian Sandals Resort was charged with 13 counts of stealing amounting to $63,625.
It is alleged that Susan Davis, a supervisor in housekeeping, was stealing by way of an Asue which she managed.
Davis, a resident of number 848 Mermaid Boulevard, held the Asue from July 2004 to December 2004, according to authorities.
She was granted bail in the sum of $25,000 and her case was adjourned to June 21.