Princess casino owner

-but President takes issue with barring of locals
-likens it to Apartheid
GUYANA’S first-ever casino, the ‘Princess Casino Guyana’, a multi-million-dollar facility and subsidiary of the Princess Hotel Group, officially opened its doors Friday evening to a slew of specially-invited patrons who were treated to the glitz and glamour  associated with such events.
There was the usual red-carpet and champagne welcome; ever-smiling and courteous male and female waiting staff, the latter daintily bedecked in strapless mini black dresses trimmed with gold; the sound of several of the strong bank of slot machines in action in the background; and an eye-catching floor-show by Russian dancers.
Drinks to please the taste buds of every patron flowed in abundance, and for many a Guyanese first-timer to such an entertainment arena, the occasion would be well worth remembering, as locals, in accordance with the operating legislations,  will not be allowed to participate in the casino’s activities, unless they are registered guests of the Princess Hotel or the casino.
President Bharrat Jagdeo, in brief remarks before mingling momentarily with other invitees, made it abundantly clear that his presence at the event did not “signal that I endorse gambling;” that rather he was there because it was the PPP/C government which he heads that had taken the initiative to allow casinos to be operated here.
On the issue of the barring of locals not registered guests of the Princess Hotel, President Jagdeo made no bones about the fact that he was not happy with this arrangement.
“The Government,” he said, “has had to put limitation on who could visit the casinos, but frankly speaking, it is particularly bothersome to me. The legislation that we passed, which I fully subscribe to, creates a situation of Apartheid that Guyanese can’t get into it if you are not a registered guest of the casino or you do not have a foreign passport.
“So this is bothersome, because to someone, a government that believes in choices, in freedom and ensuring that Guyanese have rights and could enjoy equality in their own country, we have had to reach a compromise position on this issue.”
He said that while he does not know how the situation will evolve in the future, as there are presently various forces at work, he cannot help but say how he feels about the treatment meted out to his people in their own country.
“This is something that I find distasteful that Guyanese should not be able to enjoy all their choices in their own country, wherever and at whatever time they choose to do so,” he said.
Recalling having a meeting with various interest groups, including those from the religious community who were not particularly in favour of such a venture, when the idea of a opening a casino was first mooted, President Jagdeo made it a point of noting that the way the government approaches such issues is through giving people choices, as opposed to what obtained previously when they were directed as to what to eat, wear and live.
“The Government that I head,” he said, “believes differently; we believe that people should have choices, and they are free in that situation of choices that causes this country to enjoy the freedom to gamble or not to gamble, or to consume or not to consume.”
In a subtle attempt at humour, the President said: “The presence of this casino in Guyana allows us to have choices; choices of people who choose to exercise their right; the freedom that they live under now to gamble, which now makes the work of the religious leaders even harder.”
On a sober note, he said that one of the main reasons the government has allowed the opening of a casino here, is because such an activity brings with it large-scale investments.
He made the point that in a country like Guyana that badly needs investments, particularly in the area of hotel and modern hotel rooms, such a venture allows investors to support their cash-flow so that their investments can become much more profitable, particularly at the beginning of their investment.
And, in commending the Princess Group for its investment not only in the casino but in Guyana, the President noted that owner of the Princess Hotel and Casino, Mr Sudi Ozkan, has taken a great chance in Guyana.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad, who preceded the President in making remarks, echoed similar sentiments when he commended the members of the Princess Hotel Casino on a  “strategic vision and for making the multi-million dollar  investment in Guyana’s tourism sector.”
He likened the investment to “the latest act of confidence in the vibrancy and strength of Guyana’s economy,” adding that it was the kind of pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit and courage needed if there is to be a positive development and growth in the country.
Noting that Guyana is increasingly becoming an attractive and alluring tourism destination, and that the tourism industry is experiencing a period of dynamic investment and growth, particularly in the areas of adventure, nature, cultural and people tourism, the Minister said that the proposed Princess Hotel will not only boost the country’s destination yields, profile, nightlife, attractiveness, and competitiveness, but will definitely enhance its visitor experience.
He viewed the timing of the opening of the casino and entertainment complex as an excellent idea, given that Guyana is preparing to host the ICC 20/20 cricket championships in April, saying that it will help boost efforts by this country to woo those tourists who would have had to make a detour to neighbouring Suriname if they wanted to enjoy such gaming facilities.
He, like President Jagdeo, gave every assurance that the operations of the casino would be monitored and regulated to ensure that all the rules and regulations are enforced and complied with.
Mr Oguz Tayanc, Director of Operations (Latin America, Caribbean and Guyana) who in his brief remarks spoke of the proposed additions to the entertainment complex as the second phase, noted that plans are to have it completed by June.
According to him, the multi-million dollar investment decision by the Princes Hotel group in the Guyana market has its genesis in a visit by the owner, Mr Ozkan, two years ago and the growth in the economy.
The Princess Casino Guyana facility boasts slot machines and 11 gaming tables (two for roulette; seven for card games, namely blackjack and poker, and tow for ‘Texas Holdem’).
Featured games include `Enchanted Unicorn`; `Little Green Men’; `Double Diamond Door’; `Prince the Frog’; `Double Wild Cherry’; `Catch a Wave’; ‘Wild Russia’; `Jackpot Safari’; and `Ghost Hunter’, all o
f which were installed by Guyanese technicians.
All of the guests with whom the Guyana Chronicle spoke Friday night expressed delight at the opening of the casino. Two overseas-based Guyanese were also loud in praise for the opening of the new entertainment spot.
Dawn Khan, who resides in New York, opined that the Princess Casino is one of the best in the Caribbean. “I’ve been to Saint Martin, I’ve been to Trinidad, and I find that this is top-notch; it brings me closer to home in New York; I feel like I’m in Atlanta City in a miniature way,” she said, while Aubrey Leigh, a Guyanese who resides in Las Vegas, thinks the facility is very beautiful.
“I think it’s very beautiful. I live in Las Vegas, and I can tell you, it’s very nice; it’s not as big, but it has all the tables and all the games. I think its gonna be a good thing; its gonna work.”
Among those present at the opening were Prime Minister Sam Hinds and other ministers of government and officials of the Princess Hotel Group.