By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
COMMONWEALTH Retirees Association President Juan I. Tenorio does not oppose reviving the casino on Saipan through non-exclusive licenses, but with the current condition of tourism, he doubts the gaming industry will succeed.
Tenorio, speaking on behalf of retirees on Saipan, attended last week’s Senate Gaming Committee meeting, which considered Gov. David M. Apatang’s recommendation to revisit Public Law 18-56 in the hope of bringing the casino back and making it successful this time.
P.L. 18-56 restricted casino operations on Saipan to an exclusive license, eventually awarded to Imperial Pacific International, which went bankrupt.
The governor said his proposed amendment to the casino law intends “to correct the structural failures of the former exclusive license model and to establish a modern, enforceable framework.”
But to Tenorio, a former House representative, the feasibility of the casino industry still relies on the condition of the tourism industry in the CNMI. “I don’t believe the casino alone will draw tourists here,” he said. “The projection of casino-related tourist arrivals has no justification, or anything that could tell us tourists will come because of the casino.”
“I am not against a casino,” Tenorio said. “But we must focus on marketing the CNMI for tourism. The administration should sit down with the Marianas Visitor Authority board of directors and other officials to develop an outstanding marketing strategy. Before they do that, the government must upgrade tourist-related activities in the CNMI. Right now, it’s dormant.”
Tenorio acknowledged that the casino was legalized to help retirees like him. The intent of an exclusive casino license was to ensure that retirees would receive the support they need.
“Unfortunately, it didn’t work. And so here we are again, talking about opening it up, getting rid of the exclusive license, and perhaps issuing multiple licenses,” he said.
“The idea is noble. But for us retirees, we can’t base revenue projections on the current condition of the CNMI economy. We have to be honest with ourselves. Tourism is our only industry,” he added.
Until the Marianas Visitor Authority brings in more tourists, Tenorio said, he doubts that reviving the casino will succeed.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
