Grenada PM gives thumbs down to casino gambling

Prime Minister Thomas says to allow casino gambling in Grenada would go against what his National Democratic Congress (NDC) had promised during its election campaign. (File photo)

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, January 6, 2010 – Grenada’s Prime Minister Tillman Thomas has made it clear that there will be no casino gambling in that island under his watch.

His comments came on a television programme on the heels of Swiss developers Zublin Grenada Limited (ZGL) resubmitting an application for a casino licence.

It wants to construct a casino as a major part of a US$115 million tourism project in the island which also includes a hotel and another second cruise ship terminal.

But Prime Minister Thomas says to allow casino gambling in Grenada would go against what his National Democratic Congress (NDC) had promised during its election campaign.

“We would be deceiving the Grenadian people if we entertain casino gambling,” he said. “I don’t think it is right for a foreigner to say I have a plan for St George’s and to say without a casino the project would not come on stream. I think this is showing total disrespect for the Grenadian people.”

“Cabinet cannot conspire against the people in a democracy. Cabinet is run by consensus; at the same time a Cabinet ought to be sensitive and reflect values and the aims and aspirations of the people,” he added.

ZGL has been pushing its project, saying that hundreds of Grenadians will get jobs if it gets off the ground.