4 Aug 2011

CNMI's Governor wants lawmakers to hold off on casino and hotel deal

11:50 am on 4 August 2011

The Northern Marianas Governor Benigno Fitial has asked the House leaders this week to hold off action on both Suwaso Corporations' proposed 15-year land lease extension for its Coral Ocean Point hotel, and a local casino bill legalizing casino gambling on Saipan.

The House and Senate are to hold a joint session tomorrow to review and consider both proposals.

Governor Fitial told lawmakers he would want to meet first with the Department of Public Lands and the new owners of Suwaso Corporation.

The Governor, who is in support of casino gambling on Saipan, also recommended to lawmakers to hear first from a casino expert before finalizing the casino bill, but the issue is one the Senate is strongly opposed to.