THE Commonwealth Casino Commission, which used to have over 50 personnel, is now down to 11 (not 10 as earlier reported) employees.
In his report to the commissioners last week, the commission’s executive director, Andrew Yeom, said, “We have one critical body that has submitted a resignation.”
He reported that Leonard Leon, the manager of the commission’s compliance division resigned effective Nov. 5, 2021.
With Leon’s resignation, Yeom said he and the remaining staff “will have to pick up the slack as much as we can in the meantime. However, I hope to quickly hire at least one person with casino audit and compliance experience to fill the crucial role.”
Yeom also reported that the commission’s total expenses for the month of September was $97,264.00.
Of this total monthly expense, he said, 59.04% was spent on personnel wages and benefits followed by 25.06% spent on board and other compensation.
Yeom also updated the commissioners regarding the appeal that Imperial Pacific International submitted in response to the commission’s suspension of IPI’s license.
He said during a status conference on Oct. 5, IPI was ordered to forward a written brief to the commission within 30 days.
“Hence, we would hear from IPI’s representatives by the 5th of November on their written brief and then we’ll be given 15 days to respond to that briefing,” Yeom said. “I imagine all of this will take place in November and finally hope for the judgment soon thereafter,” he added.
The commission depends solely on the $3 million regulatory fee that IPI, the exclusive casino license holder, can no longer afford to pay.
IPI, which is facing several lawsuits from vendors or former employees, shut down in March 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Yeom has filed four complaints against IPI and sought the revocation of the casino investor’s exclusive license.
Empty chairs and desks can be seen in what used to be a busy office of the Commonwealth Casino Commission at Springs Plaza in Gualo Rai.
