Dear Editor,
I refer to a letter written by Mr K A Juman-Yassin objecting to the construction of a casino in Church Street, Georgetown, between Albert and Oronoque Streets (‘How can a licence be granted for a casino in Church Street?’ SN, March 3). I am the owner of that premises.
Firstly, I wish to make it clear that the buildings that are under construction are being lawfully done. This construction started some four years ago and it is quite strange that as the structures are approaching completion stage, that they have now caught Mr Juman-Yassin’s attention. Mr Juman-Yassin must know that hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in this project. Thus far, it has employed over fifty Guyanese, daily, over the last four years. This project also enjoys a Memorandum of Understanding with the government for the grant of certain facilities, including a casino licence.
Mr Juman-Yassin cleverly uses religion and children as the focus of his concern. In fact, it is the first time I have seen him publicly expressing such deep concern for religion and children. Ironically, not a single other person or organization in Guyana has so far voiced any objection to this project, including those on whose behalf Mr Juman-Yassin pretends to speak. On the contrary, I have received numerous congratulations and words of encouragement from thousands for investing in my country.
The first plank of Mr Juman-Yassin’s objection is that the casino is located in a residential area, close to a church and a mosque and the North Road mall. This casino will be enclosed and its patrons will have no interaction with the church, the mosque or the mall. There are dozens of businesses located in that very residential area, but not a single of objection from Mr Juman-Yassin. There is a gentleman’s club of exotic Brazilian and Colombian female entertainers with accommodation for related activities situated about 75 feet north of the mosque. Again Mr Juman-Yassin does not object.
I must point out that the casino situated in the Ramada Princess Hotel is sandwiched between a mosque and a mandir and is directly across from a church and a school. In the very building in which that casino is located, is perhaps Guyana’s best recreational facility for young children; it is called Fun City. I am unaware of any complaints from the mosque, the church or the mandir that the casino affects them. Certainly, Mr Juman-Yassin never wrote the newspaper objecting to that casino.
As a matter of fact, Mr Juman-Yassin has failed to point to any scientific argument or evidence which would support his thinking that a casino will have a negative impact on children. Of course, children are not admitted to casinos. I do not think Mr Juman-Yassin will forget his persistent efforts to sell me a building which he owned at King Street and North Road, opposite the world famous St George’s Cathedral to house a hotel and bar. Apparently, the closeness to the church was not a bother to him then.
Suriname alone has twenty-five casinos currently in operation. There are dozens in other Caricom states. Obviously, there are churches and religious institutions in these territories. The belief that casino operations are inimical to society is absolutely unsupported by any scientific or other evidence. In fact, casino operations contribute significantly to the economy by payment of taxes and provision of jobs, etc. In fact, this hotel and casino is expected to employ over three hundred persons when it becomes operational, and there are so many spin-off benefits which will trickle down to the ordinary Guyanese.
I wish to remind Mr Juman-Yassin that we both grew up with a close connection to the entertainment industry. I encourage Mr Juman-Yassin to join me in investing in our country to create jobs for our people and assist in the development of our nation, or at least, encourage, and not criticize, those who are doing so.
Yours faithfully,
Clifton Bacchus
