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Best Sunshine holds grand opening


THE temporary casino at T Galleria is now in full operation.

On Friday night, Nov. 27, Best Sunshine live-training facility or temporary casino at T Galleria in Garapan on Saipan held its grand opening in a ceremony that melded the cultural elements of the east and the west. “Tonight is the give thanks to everyone,” said Best Sunshine Chief Executive Officer Mark A. Brown as he acknowledged those that made the casino possible.

He recognized the executives, staffers and locals who made it all possible.

He also thanked the governor and lieutenant governor.

Best Sunshine had its soft opening on Jul. 26 with only 10 gaming tables. At the time, BSI was still waiting for the arrival of its CW workers from the Philippines to man the rest of the gaming tables.

On Friday night, Brown said that they are now in full operation with 600 employees and about 45 gaming tables and 106 machines.

All tables are now licensed to operate.

Commonwealth Casino Commission Chairman Juan M. Sablan thanked Best Sunshine on Friday night for investing in the Northern Marianas with their presence continuing to provide job opportunities to U.S. citizens—especially local residents.

He particularly recognized how BSI helped infuse funds into the islands’ pension fund that allowed the over 3,000 retirees to continue receiving 100 percent of their retirement benefits.

He also said that the CCA, executive director Ed Deleon Guerrero and the CCA staff, are working to ensure that Imperial Pacific is in compliance with both local and federal laws.

“I ask the people of the commonwealth to give this industry a chance as we all have one goal in common: to bring economic stability, safe and sound investment to benefit our people,” he said.

Saipan Mayor David Apatang, in his speech, paid tribute to Best Sunshine “for the generous help it extended to the people of Saipan in time of their greatest need.”

Apatang said BSI stepped up to the plate and made available every help possible to alleviate the sufferings of the people in the aftermath of Typhoon Soudelor.

CCA executive director Ed Deleon Guerrero said the casino industry “is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the world. Even in this facility, you are being watched every step of the process.”

He said to date, CCA has licensed over 500 employees, key employees and has issued over 10 casino service provider licenses.

In an interview, former Senate President Pete Reyes, who is now a member of the ports authority board, was pleased with the grand opening of the casino. For Reyes, “We have hope that this will be the kind of business operation that will satisfy the need to raise revenue.”

Before he retired, Reyes was among the lawmakers who worked with the Inos Administration in finding ways to raise revenues for the commonwealth that led to the passage of E-gaming, video lottery and casino laws.

 

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