BSI says integrated casino project can create 9K jobs

If its most optimistic plans push through, Best Sunshine International Ltd. is looking at employing as much as 9,000 individuals for its $7.1-billion integrated casino on Saipan.

The exclusive Saipan casino licensee turned over last week a $10-million ceremonial check to the CNMI government, representing utility assistance for residential customers of the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.

The subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Imperial Pacific International Holdings Ltd. may have another gift up its sleeve to CNMI residents if revised construction plans pushes the number of Best Sunshine’s hotel rooms from the promised 2,000 rooms to 4,000 rooms.

Answering a recent a criticism by one of the candidates running for governor, Best Sunshine senior vice president for corporate marketing Jacqueline Wu said people might have a different view of the company and the exclusive casino license agreement if they get a better grasp of what the future mega-project entails.

“For a four-star hotel room it would require two to three people to serve. That’s just a rough industry estimate. So if we are building 4,000 rooms you can do your math, that’s about 8,000 to 9,000 jobs,” she told Saipan Tribune Thursday following the ceremonial check turnover at the Governor’s Office conference room on Capital Hill.

Here’s the kicker: Best Sunshine in not only looking to build a four-star resort, but a five-star one.

“Since what BSI is building is a five-star hotel it would require more quality service and staff. Of course, as a company that needs to ensure our service quality will meet the customers’ expectations, we will need to put in more training facilities to ensure the people who would like to join us are equipped with the skills to serve the customers,” said Wu, who will serve as guest speaker in today’s Saipan Chamber of Commerce membership meeting at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.

Under the Community Benefit Fund, Best Sunshine was obligated within 60 days of the issuance of the exclusive Saipan casino license to provide $10 million in the form of “Commonwealth Utility Company” vouchers, which shall be distributed in consultation with the governor.

Other components of the Community Benefit Fund is that within 60 days of commencing construction work on the first hotel in the integrated casino project, Best Sunshine should contribute $20 million to “education, scholarships, infrastructure, health care, employee retirement benefits, as may be determined in consultation with the governor.”

In addition, under the Saipan casino license agreement, Best Sunshine is required “upon the first full year of operation” to annually contribute $20 million for community benefit programs (education, scholarships, infrastructure, health care, and employee retirement benefits) as again determined by the governor of the CNMI.