Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino opened its doors on April 25, 1998, and since then, the self-proclaimed “Playground in Paradise” has offered high class hotel facilities and a lavish casino.
But for many years now, the hotel has not been paying taxes to the government, and its accumulated tax debt now amounts to $30 million.
“While the administration is cognizant that such an enormous debt can help solve our current cash-flow problems, we also recognize the fact that you can’t squeeze blood from a turnip,” Demapan said.
He said Tinian Dynasty wouldn’t be in this predicament if the company had the ability to make its payments.
“It’s no myth that we are experiencing challenging times, thus, the administration seeks to explore innovative ways to assist businesses in meeting its obligations to the government,” Demapan added.
In a separate interview yesterday, Rep. Ramon S. Basa, Covenant-Saipan and chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, said he is glad that the administration wants to work with Tinian Dynasty.
He said Dynasty’s tax debt is “unfair,” because “smaller businesses in this economic time are still paying taxes to the CNMI government.”
“The legislature is concerned. I will be talking to the House leadership about the matter so that we can work with the administration on this,” he added.
He said he will agree with the administration’s “payment plan” if Tinian Dynasty will “be responsible about their payments.”
“The government tries to promote a business-friendly environment, so that if businesses are struggling, we do our best to help,” Basa said.
