The parliament of Grenada has approved a bill that would bring land-based casinos to the island. The legislation will now go to the Senate for its consideration.
“This bill will help us to do what God wants us to do,” said Tourism Minister Alexandria Otway-Noel. “Our tourism sector demands more entertainment. We have the opportunity now to redesign our tourism sector so that it can bring great benefits to our people.”
Planning and Economic Affairs Minister Oliver Joseph wrote the bill. He said the legislation was drafted following a review of the impact of casino gambling on other Caribbean countries.
The legislation requires that casinos be located on the hotel premises. “No person under 18 or locals will be able to go into a casino to participate in the activities,” said Joseph.
The bill remains controversial because it would exclude locals from entering and gambling inside the casino.
“That section of the bill appears to be giving more rights to the visitor than a local with regard to gambling rights, as it is restricting their movement and right to assembly,” government legislator Tobias Clement told the Jamaica Gleaner. “You cannot tell people how to spend their money.”
Under the bill, Grenadians and underage patrons would be fined $10,000 for gambling at a local casino. Originally the fine was set at $100,000, which Prime Minister Keith Mitchell called “ridiculously too high.”
