Yesterday Fiji’s Ministry of Information announced that the country’s first ever casino licence had been awarded to One Hundred Sands Limited, a local subsidiary of a US company. 54 companies and individuals had received Expressions of Interest documents and there were 34 responses - 12 from Fiji, 5 from Australia and 17 from the UK, USA and Asia. The project granted the gaming licence is for a $290 million 5-star luxury casino resort to be located on Denarau Island.
The first phase of development will see 190 luxury rooms and suites, three restaurants, and a sports grille, with the second phase of development to include added accommodations, nightclub, and other entertainment venues. There will be 500 slot machines and 54 table games in the casino, while the 1500 seat convention centre will feature fully equipped banquet and catering capabilities, and provide ample space to accommodate corporate retreats and conventions, popular entertainers, sporting events, international awards shows, and more.
“It is important with all new investment projects – both internal and international – that we protect the rights and interests of Fijians, and provide for the prosperity of our nation”, stated Fiji’s Prime Minister Bainimarama at the announcement ceremony. The Prime Minister added, “[This project] provides a malleable fusion between the Western ideals of casino gaming with the strong cultural virtues of tribal and community life. This fusion is what we seek…considering our own national pride in, and respect for the value of the unique, yet united cultures present among all Fijians.”
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Consistent with the Bainimarama Government’s efforts to bring dynamic investment to its quickly modernising nation, this exclusive gaming license will further invigorate the Fijian economy; produce upwards of 800 jobs for local residents; add another segment to successful tourism industry; and increase Fiji’s capacity to welcome guests to visit the country.
“This undertaking is a union of both economic and cultural endeavors,” stated Larry Claunch, Chairman of the Board of One Hundred Sands, Limited. “One Hundred Sands has taken care to strategically partner with the Snoqualmie Tribe from Washington state and Seventh Generation LLC, a Native American company with demonstrated excellence establishing new casinos and affiliate entities around the world while maintaining the integrity of the environment, and supplementing – not supplanting – the existing economy.”
The groundbreaking for the gaming facilities, new convention centre, and luxury hotel is tentatively set for March of next year. (E-12.22.11)
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