Dear Editor,
Allow me to salute Supreme Ventures Limited for engaging in a programme with a peculiar conflict of interest, with a twist. The programme, which was reported during Responsible Gaming Awareness Week (June 14-20 2015), seeks to identify their patrons who fit the profile of those who are addicted to gambling and correct such addictions in a professional manner.
I am a part of the private health care system which, it has been suggested, benefits from the misfortunes of its patrons, in this case, being sick. In spite of this being somewhat true, when viewed in black and white, we try to be professional and moral about providing health care services which, when colour is added to the picture, becomes an essential service. I am much rather willing to admit that we benefit from people desiring to recover from illnesses and keeping well.
Unlike gambling or betting, which is premeditated and usually desirable, sickness isn't. After all, one doesn't choose to be sick, or does he? This is what the pathological nature of gambling has in common with sickness; they are both symptoms, rather than the cause of a problem, and can become progressively worse without the appropriate intervention.
Although, I don't fancy the "just a squirrel trying to get a nut" analogy, both the betting and pharmaceutical industries are important parts of the "ecosystem", and importantly, we are governed and regulated by laws and specific bodies of authority. So, on behalf of private pharmacies and medical offices, and even the betting shops, we give thanks for the opportunity to serve those who consider us worthy of their patronage. May we all be wise enough to make healthy choices in life and bet responsibly, if we must.
Andre O Sheppy
Norwood, St James
astrangely@outlook.com
Social responsibility in what we do
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Allow me to salute Supreme Ventures Limited for engaging in a programme with a peculiar conflict of interest, with a twist. The programme, which was reported during Responsible Gaming Awareness Week (June 14-20 2015), seeks to identify their patrons who fit the profile of those who are addicted to gambling and correct such addictions in a professional manner.
I am a part of the private health care system which, it has been suggested, benefits from the misfortunes of its patrons, in this case, being sick. In spite of this being somewhat true, when viewed in black and white, we try to be professional and moral about providing health care services which, when colour is added to the picture, becomes an essential service. I am much rather willing to admit that we benefit from people desiring to recover from illnesses and keeping well.
Unlike gambling or betting, which is premeditated and usually desirable, sickness isn't. After all, one doesn't choose to be sick, or does he? This is what the pathological nature of gambling has in common with sickness; they are both symptoms, rather than the cause of a problem, and can become progressively worse without the appropriate intervention.
Although, I don't fancy the "just a squirrel trying to get a nut" analogy, both the betting and pharmaceutical industries are important parts of the "ecosystem", and importantly, we are governed and regulated by laws and specific bodies of authority. So, on behalf of private pharmacies and medical offices, and even the betting shops, we give thanks for the opportunity to serve those who consider us worthy of their patronage. May we all be wise enough to make healthy choices in life and bet responsibly, if we must.
Andre O Sheppy
Norwood, St James
astrangely@outlook.com
Social responsibility in what we do
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