By Staff Reporter

Governor Blasts PM: Is Marape Selling Out PNG to Foreign Casino Giants?

16/10/2024

Governor of West New Britain Province, Hon. Sasindran Muthuvel, has expressed deep concern over Prime Minister James Marape's support for the controversial casino project. In a statement, Governor Muthuvel questioned the Prime Minister’s defense of the project, likening it to the actions of a director promoting a business, rather than upholding his role as a national leader.

Governor Muthuvel emphasized that political leaders should focus on important national issues rather than promoting projects, suggesting that the Prime Minister's approach resembled a sales pitch. He expressed disappointment, noting that Marape seemed overly enthusiastic about selling the idea of a casino to the people of Papua New Guinea, an attitude that he found inappropriate for someone in such a high office.

The governor also pointed out what he viewed as a contradiction in Marape's statements. Despite claiming not to personally advocate for gambling, the Prime Minister spoke at length about the potential benefits a casino could bring to the country by attracting the gambling market. Muthuvel argued that this amounted to advocacy, despite Marape’s denial.

A significant concern raised by Governor Muthuvel was the lack of acknowledgment in the Prime Minister’s statement regarding the casino company’s failure to secure a valid license. He referred to a letter from National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) CEO Imelda Agon, which clearly stated that the company had failed to meet the provisional requirements for its first license and had not been granted a new one. Muthuvel questioned the appropriateness of the Prime Minister’s assurances about regulatory processes, given that the company had yet to meet the necessary standards.

In addition, Muthuvel criticized Marape’s hint at a second casino proposal, this time aboard a luxury ship. He raised concerns about the logistics of such a venture, noting that the Paga Hill Special Economic Zone (SEZ) had been granted a special exemption, preventing any other casinos from operating within a 54km radius. He questioned where such a floating casino could dock if not in the vicinity of the capital city.

Governor Muthuvel called for greater transparency in the handling of the casino project, suggesting that statements on business models and regulations should come from the developers or the NGCB, rather than the Prime Minister. He urged Marape to focus on addressing the pressing needs of the nation, rather than promoting a business proposal that caters to the wealthy, while many Papua New Guineans still struggle to access basic services.

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