Tebuteb: Casino regulator’s lack of manpower a concern

The Commonwealth Casino Commission’s lack of manpower could be a concern, now that a “live” training facility has been opened in Garapan, Rep. Ramon A. Tebuteb (Ind-Saipan) said.

The commission continues to hire, but has yet to get the 25 personnel—occupying 17 different job positions—that it initially needs.

An advertisement from the commission indicated 12 administrative positions, nine positions for enforcement, and four audit and compliance positions.

“I hope that they (regulators) are ready to monitor the operation of this ‘live’ training facility,” Tebuteb said. “Do they have the personnel? Is it going to be provided by the trainer?”

The House minority leader emphasized the need to monitor the casino on a “24×7” basis.

“We want it to work. I would want to make sure that we do our part, and that it works. Otherwise, dangerous things may happen,” Tebuteb said.

Best Sunshine International Ltd. on Sunday held a “soft opening” of its casino at the T-Galleria. The company is planning to have a full-pledged opening in August.

Casino commission executive director Edward Deleon Guerrero earlier said the commission has so far hired one administrative assistant.

It has received 104 respondents for the 25 job openings, Deleon Guerrero said.

He said the regulators are “hoping to expeditiously start the interview process, then provide training for the additional personnel.”

Deleon Guerrero said the commission’s division on investigation and enforcement will have an office at the T-Galleria where the casino is located.

“This is basically the regulatory monitoring staff,” Deleon Guerrero said, adding that the commission’s office at the T-Galleria will be open “24×7” and will be manned round the clock on three shifts.

“We will have our own surveillance monitors within the facility,” Deleon Guerrero said.

He said the regulators are also conducting weekly meetings with Best Sunshine for updates.

Deleon Guerrero also confirmed that the casino commission is working with the Department of Public Safety, Division of Customs, the Office of Public Affairs, and other enforcement agencies to plan for an “ongoing task force to monitor this new industry.”

For now, members of the commission will be at the site until the commission completes hiring the personnel it needs.