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News from Tourism Fiji-- Gov't of Fiji issues first-ever gaming license
Someday soon, you'll be able to gamble in Fiji. I got the word recently while at the Holiday Inn in Suva where I ran into Carl D. Sampson (pictured at left) a (ceremonial) Walla Walla Chief of the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla. Carl told me over breakfast that his tribe, which runs the Wildhorse Casino Resort near Pendleton, Oregon will be working with the Fiji Government to set up a casino.
A more gracious and charming individual would be hard to find. Carl invited me to the press conference, which was held that evening in at the Holiday Inn.
The upshot is that the Fiji Government granted the country's first-ever exclusive gaming licence to US-based One Hundred Sands Limited - the company developing a US$290 million luxury casino resort on Denarau Island. I do not know the precise relationship between Mr. Sampson's tribe and One Hundred Sands Limited but he told me his organization will help train Fijians to work in the gaming industry.
In a press release from Tourism Fiji, The first phase of development will see 190 hotel rooms and three restaurants. The second phase will add further accommodation, a nightclub, entertainment venues and a 1,500 seat convention centre. The casino area will feature 500 slot machines and 54 table games. The development is expected to create upwards of 800 jobs for local residents.
The groundbreaking for the gaming facilities, new convention centre and luxury hotel has been tentatively set for March.
Announcing the development, Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreque Bainimarama said it was important with all new investment projects – both internal and international – that the rights and interests of Fijians are protected and provide for the prosperity of the nation.
According to Commodore Josaia Voreque Bainimarama:
"This project provides a malleable fusion between the Western ideals of casino gaming with the strong cultural virtues of tribal and community life. This fusion is what we seek... considering our own national pride in, and respect for the value of the unique, yet united cultures present among all Fijians," he added.
Stay tuned.
(Photo above of Carl Sampson courtesy of NPR).
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Comment by Debra Croswell on January 27, 2012 at 7:29am -
I am the Deputy Executive Director for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Our tribal government is NOT involved in any efforts to open a casino in Fiji.
Some of our enrolled tribal members are apparently involved in business dealings with the Fiji government, but they are not taking any action on behalf of our tribal government.
Thank you.
Debra Croswell, Deputy Executive Director
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
46411 Timíne Way
Pendleton, OR 97801
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Comment by Robert F. Kay on January 27, 2012 at 8:17am -
Thanks for clarifying this point.
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Comment by Information Rep on February 27, 2012 at 2:31pm
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For public release.
To Larry Claunch of One Hundred Sands, LTD, and All Others involved,
Please find below, the link to Head Chief Jerry Kanim Enick’s letter to Mr. Larry Claunch - Chairman of the Board, One Hundred Sands, LTD, in response to the ill-advised investment into a Casino 6000 miles away in Fiji which has been under military rule since 2006. Since the government's abrogation of Fiji's Constitution in April 2009, the government has ruled by decree and enforced Public Emergency Regulations that limit basic freedoms.
Achieving the freedoms and rights afforded us in the United States Treaties have been difficult enough. So profiteering off the backs of the loss of aboriginal freedoms of our Native brothers and sisters around the globe, is something that we do NOT see aligning ourselves with.
Chief Jerry Kanim Enick's position on this Snoqualmie Casino deal in Fiji can be found at: www.snoqualmiehereditarychiefs.com
Respectfully,
The Snoqualmie Hereditary Chiefs
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www.snoqualmiehereditarychiefs.com
www.facebook.com/snoqualmietribechiefjerrykanim
"We must also point out that while the role of the CHIEF is a traditional role, it is a position of power, peacemaking and leader ship that has been part of Snoqualmie governance for thousands of years. We are honored to finally have the lineal CHIEF back in place because the Snoqualmie CHIEFDOM is now restored. It was Pat Kanium and 13 other Snoqualmie CHIEFS that signed the Point Elliott Treaty of 1855. It is the CHIEFDOM that represents our heritage and tradition of self-government. Any notion that the HEAD CHIEF is merely a lawn ornament is preposterous and disrespectful and wrong and further illustrates the lack of understanding and participation in Tribal Life." - Matt Mattson, Snoqualmie Tribal Administrator, 2007.
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Comment by Robert F. Kay on February 27, 2012 at 2:55pm
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Thanks for your comments. Every point of view should be considered.
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