Distinguished Agents and Vendors of the Classis Lottery, Mr. Louis Lee Sing- Chairman of the National Lotteries Control Board, Board Members, Cheryl Guide and Lyndsay Pat Meshwar - staff members of the media, and the thousands joining us on I92.5 FM, it is indeed my pleasure to address you this morning.

This is a Conference where the Agents and Vendors of the Classic Lottery are invited to share their views and concerns about the future development of the Classic Lottery and we are here to listen, and, starting from today, implement whatever decisions we can agree upon. We have had Agents Forum with Agents and Vendors but there has never been a Classic Lottery Conference such as this.

The fact that we are here is an indication that the Board is very serious about the future of the Classic Lottery. It has often been said that the Board makes decisions about the Classic Lottery without seeking the views of Agents and Vendors. Your presence negates that statement since your views, ideas, concerns, and even complaints will be entertained BEFORE any further changes are implemented. Your input will be discussed, and factored into any new developments of the Classic Lottery.

Thirty-three (33) years ago on 8th February 1969, the Classic Lottery was first drawn live at Trinidad & Tobago Television. At that time, the game was known as the Traditional Lottery but referred to by many as the National Lottery. It was the only Game operated by the NLCB until 1988. Profits derived from this Game are paid into the Consolidated Fund.