Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says as of yesterday, the Coalition Government had not considered or approved any policy guidelines on the issuance of casino licenses.
Mr Rabuka made the comment at a press conference in Suva yesterday following speculation and social media commentaries regarding the proposed casino development project in the country.
He said in 2011, the Bainimarama government had issued an exclusive gaming license to One Hundred Sands Limited for 15 years, and the company had planned to build a luxury casino resort and convention centre on Denarau Island.
And in 2015, he said the FijiFirst government revoked One Hundred Sands’ license because of a breach of license conditions and citing failure of the company to complete the project and the opening of the casino on time.
“While One Hundred Sands applied for a judicial review, their application was dismissed by the High Court and thereafter by the Court of Appeal,” Mr Rabuka said.
He Rabuka said in April this year, Cabinet considered the proposal to issue a Casino License to FNPF and it was agreed that a decision be deferred and considered at a later date.
“Before any further discussion on the matter, the Coalition Government will need to develop a clear and robust policy guideline on the issuance of Casino license in Fiji following comprehensive consultations with all stakeholders.
“I wish to reiterate that until such time that happens, no casino license will be issued to any entity by the People’s Coalition Government.”
