Commission pins big hopes on new investors

TINIAN—Saying that Tinian has received only empty promises from potential investors in the past, members of the Tinian Casino and Gaming Control Commission now hopes that the new casino investors wanting to put up a 300-room hotel and casino here would be true to their words.

“We heard a lot of promising developments but it didn’t materialize except one [Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino] which, unfortunately, has faced many setbacks [owing to overall economic condition in the region], a lot of dreams not fulfilled. But we are thankful that our first casino has been resilient,” said TCGCC member Juanita Mendiola during a hearing here this week.

The commission conducted a hearing Monday on the licensure casino application of Bridge Investments Group LLC, represented by five U.S.-based investors headed by presidential appointee for Asia America and Pacific Islands advisory committee Rudy Pamintuan.

Pamintuan said that other than the casino operation, his team is attracted to Tinian’s rich history and cultural heritage, and pledges to reflect this in their proposed project.

In her remarks during the hearing, Mendiola reminded the audience to be vigilant and responsible as community members.

“With this type of investments comes great, great responsibility,” she said.

At the same time, she expressed admiration over the investors’ respect for local history and culture.

“We have to be grateful for these people [investors] who recognize our uniqueness and want us to excel as a group of people,” she said.

Member Peter Cruz also welcomes the entry of the business group.

“We look forward to great days ahead,” said Cruz.

TCGCC chair William M. Cing said, “This [has been] a long time coming.”

Cing, in his remarks, also credited TDHC “because they are really the pioneers.”

“We need investors like you [new investors] to make Tinian a world-class destination. We welcome you and thank you for coming to Tinian!” said Cing.

Early on, vice chair Serafina King-Nabors introduced a resolution pushing for the approval of the license applications of the new investors.

Her resolution was approved unanimously by her colleagues, following recommendation by the TCGCC management, headed by executive director Esther Hofschneider-Barr and legal counsel Elliot Sattler.

Pamintuan’s group has secured a 55,000 square foot hillside property here to build the hotel and casino resort.

The complex would consist of two hotel wings, a museum, and other amenities.

The new business is projected to bring in 336 new non-casino jobs and nearly $400,000 monthly tax payments.

Once in place, the Tinian tourism industry is projected to generate $92 million a year.

The Bridge Investment Group commits to put up over $100 million for phase one of the casino resort project.

The group of investors includes Pamintuan, Erick Wang, Rocky Li, Kenneth Wong, and Dr. Ahshay Desai. They are represented locally by consultant Phillip Mendiola Long.