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The much anticipated casino opened formally yesterday at Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara.In attendance were President Bharat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Sam Hinds and other members of Cabinet, diplomats, businessmen and special invitees.President Bharrat Jagdeo with the General Manager (right) and Director of Operations, Americas Oguz Tayanc (at left), of the casino after the commissioning ceremonyAccording to the Director of operations, Americas Oguz Tayanc, the investment in the Princess Hotel is greater since the implementation of a casino, many more other investment are set to be made, such as a cinema, a bowling alley,Saku Koivu Canadiens Jersey, a night club, and an arcade for children.President Bharrat Jagdeo, who was the guest of honour at the commissioning ceremony, said that he does not endorse gambling. However, casinos are going to be limited in Guyana which was made clear by legislation. They must be complemented by a large scale investment.The Head of State said that the government supports the right to exercise choices,Bob Probert Red Wings Jersey, which will make the work of the religious leaders harder since they would have to persuade persons to make the right choices.The president explained that limitations have been placed on who could enter the casino, which is distasteful. Only registered guests and persons in possession of a foreign passport can enter the casino.“This is bothersome because for a government that believes in choices and freedom and ensuring that Guyanese have rights and can enjoy equality in their own country, we have had to reach a compromise position on the issue. How it evolves in the future I don’t know.” The president stated.Guyanese should enjoy all their choices in their own country,Glenn Anderson Rangers Jersey, he said. However, the society is a moderate society which is shown in its multi-ethnic and multi-religious society which co-exists is great and that moderation would also be used when making choices.Part of the audience at the opening of the casino Tourism Minister,Henrik Lundqvist Rangers Jersey, Manniram Prashad, said that the hotel and casino represent a major investment in the tourism sector,John Carlson Capitals Jersey, which shows pioneering and entrepreneurship that is needed in Guyana.He said that the tourism industry is experiencing dynamic investment in growth, additionally a growth in adventure, nature, cultural, and eco-tourism.“Guyana has market niches such as bird watching, sport tourism,Justin Williams Capitals Jersey, indigenous community tourism, agro-tourism,Daniel Sprong Penguins Jersey, and yachting.”He revealed within the Caribbean tourism association, which comprises 36 member countries,Alex Killorn Lightning Jersey, Guyana, Jamaica and Cuba have registered increases in visitors for 2009, which is a huge achievement for Guyana.The Minister stated that tourism is the industry of the future for Guyana, and Guyana has enormous opportunity for investors,Paul Martin Penguins Jersey, modernization is on the way in all sectors and the economy is emerging as an attractive destination supported by stable macro-economic policies, attractive incentive and a corporate tax machine, “which does not discriminate against foreign investors.”He added that visitors would no longer have to detour to other countries in order to enjoy the casino. The gaming commission would regulate and monitor the operations of the casino to ensure that all rules and regulations are complied with. |
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