This money did not include other poker expenses like rent for buildings. Maybe if you add them, the amount may reach $47 million.
One of my friends told me that Filipino guest workers in the CNMI sent the least amount of remittances compared to those from Filipino workers in other countries. For example, in Dubai, a worker who earns $350 a month sends $300 as remittance to his family. Families back home then invest the money on buying property or building a new house. They also send their kids to college, and when their children graduate they get a job in the P.I. or abroad to continue supporting their families.
What about the guest workers in the CNMI? Take my nephew, for example. He earns $480 a month and he spends $90 on jueteng and $200 on poker. He pays a monthly rent of $120 and also has to spend for his food and gasoline. His family is lucky if he could send them any amount. How many guest workers in the CNMI are like my nephew?
I am calling the attention of the Philippine Consulate here to make it compulsory for every P.I. guest worker to send remittances to their families every month.
But I am not against gambling. I am not against the Saipan casino bill. The fact remains that my daughter, my son-in-law and me cannot find jobs and we have become an additional burden on our dying economy. I believe allowing a casino on Saipan will bring more jobs and allow us to survive.
Just imagine how many millions of dollars will be invested on Saipan if a casino opens and the military buildup on Guam finally happens.
There will be 17,000 military personnel moving to Guam from Okinawa, Japan. Imagine if 5,000 will come here to join casino tournaments. I am sure our economy will survive.
So guys, pass this bill. The alternative is for the government to terminate hundreds of its employees.
The Catholics against casinos should remember that the church itself holds bingo games.
If some members of the community are worried about casino messing up lives then why didn’t they show up during the public hearings? I suggest that lawmakers include a provision in the local bill to ban low-income locals from playing in the casino.
God bless the CNMI.
TEDDY GUIAO
Navy Hill, Saipan
