Parrikar talks of amending law for shifting vessels to ‘special designated gaming zone'; ban on entry for Goans
the goan I network
PANAJI
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar spoke his mind on the issue of casinos giving the state an idea of what his promised casino policy would look like saying that he would amend the law to ensure that no casinos would be allowed to operate on vessels, but that those existing licence holders would be allowed to move their businesses to a "designated location" yet to be decided.
Parrikar, who had promised to announce a casino policy on Monday, only offered his thoughts saying that he would also implement the law passed in 2012 which allowed for the banning of Goans entering casinos as well as appointing a gaming commission.
Parrikar's comments and assurances have fuelled speculation that the area around the Mopa airport is likely to be designated as the "designated casino zone" even as Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral and Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes both demanded that their constituencies be host to such zones.
Navelim legislator Luizinho Faleiro had drawn the attention of the House that in the special commercial zone that is to come around the Mopa airport, the licence agreement has allowed for the lessee in this case GMR Airports to set up casinos.
"I'm just giving you the concept. This is not the final point by point policy," Parrikar began.
"In three years time, the casinos in the river on vessel will cease to exist. There will be an amendment to the act where the vessel portion will be extinguished at a particular (designated) date. If the person wants, he can shift to the land at an entertainment zone identified for the purpose," Parrikar said.
"I will amend the law to not permit operating a casino on a vessel. It will be shifted in a special zone. That clause of allowing casinos and live gaming on board vessels will cease to exist from a particular date. The casino will have to shift to land or gaming zone. KPMG will be asked to
End casino menace: Opposition to govt
PANAJI: Curtorim legislator Aleixo Reginaldo as well as Navelim legislator Luizinho urged the government to bring an end the casino menace, with the former even pointing out that it was the government that told the court on multiple occasions that Golden Globe Hotels was eligible for a licence and that the government would favourably consider their application for a licence.
Only 5 in Mandovi; 6th casino can go somewhere else: CM
PANAJI: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar assured that the sixth casino will not be coming back to the River Mandovi saying that he will cap the number of casinos in the River Mandovi at five. "The Government has powers, and has capped the number of casinos in Mandovi at 5.The sixth casino will never come in Mandovi. If it fulfills all the conditions of the licence, it can go somewhere else where people of local area will want it," Parrikar said.
