TCGCC should improve image

Tinian — It was a public hearing which some people thought was intended to put the Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission in a bad light, but it turned out to be an information campaign on efforts made by the TCGCC to boost the image of the agency.

“I am impressed with the efforts that they have undertaken. The changes may be slow but at least they have done something,” said Tinian Municipal Council Chair Juanita M. Mendiola.

Ms. Mendiola called for the public hearing because she felt that the people on the island have been kept in the dark on what the TCGCC has done so far. She said it would have been a great opportunity for the Commission to inform the people about their accomplishments.

“It would allow the Commission to rebuild itself and show effort to fix the problems.
It was also a chance for them to admit their mistakes and just tell the people that they are doing something to correct them,” she added.

But the public hearing was held at a time when TCGCC Chair Martin DLG San Nicolas joined the delegation of CNMI officials who flew to Taipei for the signing of the agreement between Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino and Mandarin Airlines for Saipan-Taipei charter flights.

Two other Council members avoided the public hearing. Vice Chair Antonio Borja wrote to Council that he was not attending what he described as “sensationalism and political pressure” while Antonio Kiyoshi left also for Taipei.

Despite the absence of her colleagues, Ms. Mendiola held the session as the Council has an oversight authority over the gaming commission. “It is their attitude that is making it difficult for the Commission to rebuild its image. Why be afraid when the people can be your best friend?” she said.

Ms. Mendiola said she wants to see the Commission to present to the Council its strategic plans so that these can serve as a gauge in measuring their accomplishments.

She commended TCGCC Vice Chair Vicente Manglona for attending the public hearing and “show that he can rise above personality conflicts and face the Council.” During the meeting, Mr. Manglona said most of the recommendations made by the Office of the Public Auditor have been carried out.

But Mr. San Nicolas has already admitted that the biggest task which the Commission faces is how to bring back the trust and confidence of the people and refurbishing its shattered public image.

TCGCC’s former Executive Director Paul Palmer has been indicted before the federal court for allegedly swindling the gaming commission and an Australian company by creating fictitious companies which maintained bank accounts in the Philippines and Nevada.

Former TCGCC Commissioner Ray Cing said the most important thing that the Commission should focus on with the help of the local officials is amending the casino initiative.

The 10-year-old initiative was adopted from the gaming initiative of Atlantic City which has undergone numerous amendments.
Unfortunately, the initiative in Tinian has become obsolete and no longer responsive to the changing times, said Mr. Cing.

According to Esther H. Barr, TCGCC executive director, the Commission has carried out extensive training of the staff since 1997 despite limited funds. “With the gaming industry, you have to keep up with the changes but we can only do that within our limited capability because we don’t have enough funds right now,” she said.

Sen. David Cing, likewise, emphasized the need to change the initiative to attract more investors on the island as he vowed to work hard in campaigning for its passage in the November 2001 elections.

“We will push harder in educating the people because this will benefit the people regardless of their political affiliation, religious beliefs or nationality,” he added.