THE online bidding for Imperial Pacific International’s crystal dragons is now open, according to Tim Sheperd, principal of Clear Management Limited.
He said the online auction will end on August 22 and not on November 21 as earlier reported. He said he has asked the software provider to correct the date on the website (https://shorturl.at/wzCLU).
The two crystal dragons fighting over a flaming pearl are a symbol deeply rooted in Chinese mythology, Clear Management stated.
“The pearl is associated with spiritual energy, wisdom, prosperity, power and immortality. World famous art manufacturers LASVIT materialized this symbol in the form of a jewel piece now decorates the lobby of the Imperial Palace Saipan. Spanning over 60 meters and weighing 40 tons, a crystal gem-studded sculpture featuring two flying dragons is the largest such installation in the world.
“There are 2,5 million Swarovski crystals covering the scales on the dragon’s body. Each is furthermore illuminated and can change color, so the dragon can change from green to red almost instantly. The project connected two traditional types of crafts — glassmaking and metalworking.”
Clear Management said some rectification work will be required on the crystal dragons as they have not been powered up for a couple of years since the casino was closed.
“LASVIT are happy to support this work to bring the Crystal Dragons back to their amazing best,” it added.
IPI’s 11 vehicles are also to be auctioned: two (2017) Rolls Royce Ghost Extended, a 2017 Cadillac Escalade, a 2016 Toyota Sienna, a 2015 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid, a 2015 Nissan Frontier, a 2016 Mazda CX-5, a 2015 Toyota Rav4, a 2015 Toyota Rav4, a 2015 Toyota Yaris, and a 2014 Toyota Yaris.
The auction webcast for the vehicles will begin at 12 p.m., April 11, 2024, Saipan time.
On Oct. 26, 2021, the District Court for the NMI appointed Clear Management as the limited receiver to liquidate IPI’s casino gaming equipment.
IPI owes judgment creditors in federal and local courts a total of $21.1 million, including the tax lien held by the CNMI Division of Revenue and Taxation against it.
According to the Commonwealth Casino Commission, IPI also owes the CNMI government and CCC a total of $79.62 million in unpaid annual exclusive casino license fees and regulatory fees plus fines and penalties.
