The ongoing saga between the Commonwealth Casino Commission (CCC) and Imperial Pacific International (IPI) in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has taken a new turn as lawmaker Rep. Marissa Flores urges swift action. Amidst accusations of failed regulatory oversight and a troubled casino project, Flores demands the immediate revocation of IPI’s casino license, citing adverse effects on investor confidence and tourism.
Background:
The CCC, tasked with regulating the CNMI’s gaming industry, has faced challenges in its dealings with IPI, which has been embroiled in controversies and faced suspension of its casino license since April 2021. The casino operator, Imperial Pacific International, has been under scrutiny for its casino-hotel project, leading to federal investigations and a subsequent blacklisting of the CNMI.
Lawmaker’s Call to Action:
Rep. Marissa Flores, speaking during a CCC meeting, minced no words in expressing her stance. She called for the urgent revocation of IPI’s casino license, emphasizing the detrimental impact on both investors and tourists. Flores contends that the CNMI government has invested significant resources into what she deems a “failed casino-hotel,” labeling it a legal and economic liability. She stresses the urgency of the situation, demanding immediate action to salvage the region’s reputation and economic prospects.
Concerns Raised:
Flores raises concerns about the negative perception of tourists encountering an abandoned building, citing the federal investigations as a deterrent for honest investments. She challenges the CCC to justify the prolonged delay in revoking IPI’s license, insisting on transparency and professionalism. Additionally, she highlights a recent court ruling implicating IPI’s former project director, Ji Xiaobo, as the head of a criminal syndicate, suggesting a failure in regulatory due diligence.
CCC’s Response and Legal Entanglements:
In response to Flores’s impassioned plea, CCC chairman Edward C. Deleon Guerrero acknowledges the delays but attributes them to legal processes. He asserts that, were it not for the intricacies of the legal system, IPI’s license would have already been revoked. Deleon Guerrero expresses skepticism regarding the success of IPI’s ongoing appeal related to a court ruling that dismissed the relevance of arbitration proceedings. The chairman hints at the potential for imminent action pending legal resolutions.
The clash between the CCC and IPI underscores the complex challenges faced by regulatory bodies in overseeing the gaming industry. As the call for immediate license revocation gains momentum, the outcome will significantly impact the CNMI’s economic landscape and reputation. The delicate balance between legal procedures and the imperative for decisive regulatory action will shape the future trajectory of IPI’s involvement in the region’s gaming sector. The data points within the narrative highlight the stark contrasts in revenue generation, legal scrutiny, and the urgent need for resolution in the face of mounting economic and reputational risks.