In its recently released annual report, Walter Scott, chairman of the Casino Gaming Commission of Jamaica, stated, “The major disappointments were that although orders for Approved Integrated Resort Development have been made to two applicants, further progress has not been made in achieving the breaking of ground and the construction of the resorts.” The two applicants are Celebration Jamaica Development Limited and Harmony Cove Limited.
The commissioners also expressed disappointment that 29-year gaming industry veteran Phillip Shelton, a former gaming regulator from Victoria, Australia, held the position of chief executive officer of the CGG for only one year. Shelton resigned in April. Currently, CGG General Counsel Audrey Robinson is serving as acting chief executive. Scott wrote, “Mr. Shelton brought a great deal of knowledge and capacity to the organization and will be missed.”
He added, “It is in the commission’s best interest to recruit a CEO from the international market. By so doing, it is likely to attract those persons with the requisite skills, knowledge and expertise to guide the operational framework, establish best practices and build industry knowledge.” The position paid a base salary of $13.8 million with benefits bringing the total to $17.2 million a year, according to the annual report.
Scott stated the CGC, which was established in 2010 under the Casino Gaming Act, had a solid year and laid the foundation for effective industry regulation “once it gets going.” He said, “The past year has seen significant progress in establishing the regulatory framework for the monitoring and control of casinos in Jamaica which conform to international best practice. Drafting of the necessary regulations has continued and they provide the foundation for a robust regulatory framework.”
