‘Tinian has enough space for more casinos’

Tinian lawmakers have raised concern that the governor’s remarks involving the island’s casino industry may put off potential investors.

Specifically, the 15th Tinian Legislative Delegation took issue with the governor’s public statement that all five casino licenses on Tinian had been “practically issued” and that there was no more land available on Tinian for casinos.

“Your remarks and actions ostensibly impress upon outside investors that Tinian no longer has any opportunities for casino and related investments on Tinian. Such news and impressions would also have a negative effect on those who have invested, thus far, on Tinian and could squelch any further continuation or expansion of their current investments,” the Tinian lawmakers wrote Gov. Benigno R. Fitial.

In an interview, Senate President Joseph Mendiola said he and his colleagues did not mind the governor signing memoranda of understanding with potential casino investors.

The MOUs signify the companies’ interest in investing in casinos on Tinian, as well as the government’s commitment in helping them realize their plans. While several such agreements have been signed, the Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission has issued only three casino licenses.

“We just wanted the governor to stop sending the erroneous message that there are no more casino licenses available. We also feel that there’s a lot of land available on Tinian. If additional licenses are needed, the people of Tinian should be allowed to decide if they want to open more slots,” said Mendiola, who is also the vice chairman of the Tinian Legislative Delegation.

For the administration’s part, press secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. said the Tinian officials should not get the wrong idea about Fitial’s statements.

“The governor fully supports the Tinian gaming industry. He is happy that there is plenty of interest in the casino industry. But he feels that there are more than enough developers for the five gaming licenses available. Unless we change the law, Tinian can have no more. The Tinian Legislative Delegation should not misconstrue the governor’s well intended remark,” Reyes said.

Nonetheless, the Tinian lawmakers said the governor could support the Tinian gaming industry not only by lending his help but also by “[refraining] from taking a course of action that effectively contradicts and renders your assistance and support null and void.”

In addition, they pointed out that any jurisdiction in the Commonwealth that desires a gaming industry must go through the same process as Tinian did—the popular initiative process.

“In the meantime, we request that any investor interested in establishing casino gaming in the Commonwealth be referred to Tinian and to let our people and the leadership decide if and when gaming investments have reached its saturation point. At this time, we feel that we are not at this point yet and we continue to seek serious investors to come and invest in the casino gaming industry on Tinian,” the lawmakers’ group said.

The Tinian Legislative Delegation is composed of Sen. Henry San Nicolas, chairman; Mendiola, vice chairman; Rep. Edwin P. Aldan, floor leader; and Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider, secretary.