Manuel Tenorio, Liberation Day organizing committee chairman, said they received an order on Friday from the AGO to shut down the Las Vegas Night booth, which offered roulette games and blackjack.
The CNMI Constitution prohibits gambling on the islands “except as provided by commonwealth law or established through initiative in the commonwealth or in any senatorial district.”
Rota and Tinian votes have legalized casino gaming on their islands, but Saipan rejected a casino initiative last November.
Robert Guerrero, vice chairman of the organizing committee, said they may refund the permit fees paid by the concessionaire if the AGO will not allow it to operate.
Las Vegas Night was able to operate for less than 30 minutes on Friday evening.
Another concessionaire that wanted to offer casino-type gambling was not given a permit.
The concessionaire then questioned the Liberation Day Committee for allowing the Las Vegas Night to operate.
Tenorio said the grand opening was “quite successful” with 30 participating concessionaires. Among them is Pacific Xtreme Xperience which offers a “skateboard challenge.”
The carnival grounds at the Garapan Fishing Base were secured and there were enough parking spaces for members of the community.
The four Liberation Queen contestants were also presented to the public on Friday evening.
They were accompanied by their parents: Luciann Marie M. Indalecio came with her parents Jose and Georgia Ann Duenas; Carley V. Laniyo was with her parents Estanislao and Carmen Laniyo; Haoting Zhang Romolor arrived with her parents Marcelo and Lijun Romolor; and Kaylynn L. Sablan was with her mother Marian T. Lizama
Tina C. Pangelinan, chairwoman of the Liberation Queen committee, said the counting of the Liberation Queen tickets is scheduled for June 28 at the mayor’s office and the winner will be announced on July 2.
Kaylynn L. Sablan said she will urge the youth to be more responsible by helping promote and preserve local culture and tradition.
Carley V. Laniyo said she will ask the youth to provide ideas that may help solve the CNMI’s economic crisis.
Luciann Marie M. Indalecio said there is a need for unity and harmony among the CNMI youth.
Haoting Zhang Romolor, who just graduated from Saipan Southern High School, said she will tell her peers to “just believe in themselves.” She vowed to be a good role model for the youth.
