Municipal jobs may get cut amid Tinian closure

Monday 24th of August 2015

Tinian’s Mayor called a meeting to notify municipal employees, whose positions are funded by casino gaming revenues, that their contracts may not be renewed for as long as the casino doors remain closed.

“It is with a heavy heart and great disappointment that I inform you, that I may not be unable to renew any employment contracts that are funded by our gaming industry. For as long as Dynasty’s casino floors remain closed, so will our municipal coffers that support our ability to employ our people,” said Joey P. San Nicolas in a statement.

Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino, Tinian’s largest private sector employer, closed its casino operations doors on August 14, 2015. Currently, revenues generated by casino revenues provide funding for 43 employment positions.

The Mayor also informed his staff to anticipate the suspension of all community programs.

“In light of our current situation, I am also anticipating the suspension of all community programs such as our supplemental medical referral assistance, youth programs and other community events until such time that funds become available.”

In closing the casino operations, Hong Kong Entertainment cited the inability to bring in tourists to Tinian. Typhoon Soudelor forced the cancellation of chartered flights which brought a steady flow of tourist from China. Over a month ago, Tinian Entertainment Co. agreed with the gaming commission to transfer operational control of the casino. HKE has since resumed bringing its weekly chartered flights, however, according to HKE, the Dynasty casino operations remains closed until TEC’s application for a casino license is approved.