Based in Honolulu, Hawaii, the South Pacific Development Group, LLC states that it is a ‘collaborating team of dedicated members’ focused on the design and development of ideal resort communities in the South Pacific. The Group believes that successful development comes from teamwork and cooperation between government, the people and the company. Jesse H James, CEO and Principal Chairman of SPDG and CEO of its subsidiary Sasina Village Resorts in Samoa, comments: "We must function as a three-legged stool. One leg is represented by the Government, one leg is represented by the villages and the people and the third leg is represented by our company. If all three legs do not work together equally, the stool will fall over."

In Samoa an agreement was signed in July 2008 for a 120-year lease of 600 acres of land belonging to the village of Sasina. The land is intended for the construction of a multi-million dollar resort. According to SPDG, the Government of Samoa is in the process of implementing the new gaming law that initially would grant two gaming licences – one for each island. In return for a commitment by SPDG to develop resorts and infrastructure on the island of Savaii, the government is said to have pledged 15-year tax free concessions, 15-year duty free status and assistance with the infrastructure development, including the construction of an airport.

In November 2009 a 120-year lease was signed for an additional 300 acres of prime coastal land plus an agreement for first refusal on all contiguous land. The Sasina resort project includes hotel, casino, timeshares, cultural center and a world-class 18-hole golf course. Primary tourist target markets are China and Korea. Secondary target markets are Japan, Australia and New Zealand. SPDG says that the Savaii development would be sensitive to the people of Samoa and its culture.

However, Samoa’s umbrella organisation for non-government groups, SUNGO, has called this claim a joke. SUNGO president, Vaasilifiti Moelagi Jackson, says the social consequences will be huge and casinos are not part of Samoan culture. The Casino and Gambling Control Bill 2010 introduced in March by Prime Minister Tuilepa, which is expected to be passed into law, has caused considerable controversy and opposition, particularly from Church groups. Under the bill only holders of foreign passports staying at hotels would be allowed to enter the casino but money raised would help sports development and Samoa athletes. The country lacks funds to keep its elite athletes such as rugby stars and to host international sporting events such as the Youth Commonwealth Games in 2015. (E-07.26.10)

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