Luncheon says…
Gaming Authority for casino licences to be established
Guyana Chronicle
March 13, 2007

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THE amendment to the Prevention of Gambling Act prescribes a mechanism called the Gaming Authority that would deliberate on matters such as the granting of a licence to operate casinos and minimise speculation on the grants.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) said Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, who intimated that, said, while no casino licence has yet been granted, the amendment specifies how it could be issued and under what terms and conditions.

He said: “I am aware that both the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) and the Ministry of Finance officials have been involved in the incubation of this project. They have pronounced on the allegation that an undertaking has been made and they have all denied this.”

GINA said, on March 6, Go-Invest Director, Mr. Geoffrey Da Silva pointed out that the obligation of the State was to facilitate a request by the investor, Buddy’s International Hotel, to apply for a licence to conduct casino gambling.

GINA said DaSilva explained that it does not translate to a commitment on the part of the government, for such a licence to be granted, as the decision must fall within the laws of Guyana.

The agency recalled that Da Silva offered the explanation in response to an article that appeared in the Sunday Stabroek, stating that, according to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Guyana and Buddy’s, a commitment was made for the grant of a casino gambling licence.

Luncheon reiterated that the Gaming Authority has not yet been established and “we might remain in the realm of speculation.”

He noted, however, that “at the end of the day, there are statutory procedures that will define and justify who is granted a licence and that it is to be done in accordance with the law.”

GINA said DaSilva disclosed that a press conference will be held, shortly, to address the issue and raise other concerns regarding the Stabroek reporting on the situation.