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‘Casino industry is good for Saipan’
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Posted on Jun 18 2015
An emerging casino industry will be good for Saipan because it can offer employment to younger citizens on the island.
“I think the casino industry will provide good jobs,” said Norman T. Tenorio, managing director of Joeten Enterprises, Inc. and president and CEO of Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc., said
Norman T. Tenorio
Tenorio said that the Best Sunshine International, Ltd. casino, soon to rise in Garapan in particular, will give “opportunities” to younger members of the society.
“It is not like before when the government can provide the jobs. But now that the population, I think the Best Sunshine can provide the jobs,” Tenorio said, adding that he is encouraging residents to apply for the jobs.
The executive also expressed amazement that Best Sunshine is looking to hire 500 local residents, and that only about 200 applied.
“I think it is scary for them (those not wanting the casino jobs). It is a profession, and that training is provided. They should take the opportunity,” Tenorio said.
Overall, the executive said the casino industry is “good for Saipan.”
“As long as it is regulated very well and properly controlled, it should be OK,” Tenorio said, citing that in the U.S mainland more than 50 percent of the states have an existing gaming industry.
He added that Saipan relies heavily on tourism and that the gaming industry is just part of this industry. “We are in the tourism industry, and casino is part of it,” Tenorio said.
He also expressed optimism on Saipan’s economy, although one major concern he sees is the decrease in flights coming into the CNMI.
Tenorio said he is concerned of the continued decline of Japanese markets, and that it is probably time for Saipan “to level up” as a tourist destination.
“But I think what Saipan needs is to upgrade its infrastructure as a tourist destination. We need good roads, water supply, sewer, etc.,” Tenorio said.
