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CCC’s Reyes uncertain of casino’s completion on time
An official of the Commonwealth Casino Commission is dubious that Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC would be able to meet its self-imposed deadline to finish the construction of its gaming facility.
Joseph Reyes, who is vice chair of the casino commission, remains skeptical of IPI’s ability to meet the casino completion deadline in October 2018.
“[IPI] still faces a setback due to the [lack of] workers,” he said, adding that the Imperial Pacific Resort is a ‘high-rise building” and Saipan lacks people “well versed” in working on buildings as high as this.
“Even those tower crane operators are not easy to find. [Despite this], it was indicated that efforts are taking place in trying to bring U.S. workers in here…I give [IPI] credit for that,” he added.
Reyes told Saipan Tribune that IPI claims its planned casino resort is at 62 percent. According to documents Saipan Tribune obtained in mid-September 2017, their current completion rate was also at 62 percent.
When asked if he believes IPI would be able to meet the deadline, Reyes said: “Personally, I don’t think so.”
He pointed out that the recent bad weather, along with the manpower problems, continue to hinder the progress of the construction.
“I am sure [IPI is] fully aware of it. They said they are doing the best they can, but one thing they should consider is if a storm comes this way,” he said.
If the deadline next year is not met, Reyes said the Casino License Agreement, or CLA, must once again be amended. He said no penalties would be involved because, according to Public Law 18-56 and 19-24, the CLA establishes “liquidated damages.”
“The liquidated damages does not apply to the current project,” he said, referring to the initial gaming facility.
If IPI does not meet its deadline to complete Phase I, which is in August 2023 and Phase II, which is in August 2028, that is when fines would kick in.
“The liquidated damage is not imposed on the initial gaming facility,” said Reyes.
Phase II is the integrated resort in Marpi.
