When the Mississippi-based Isle of Capri Casino officially opens yet another branch in December, it is expected to employ some 300 Bahamians, said the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Colin Higgs on Friday.
Mr. Higgs said a job fair had already begun recruiting and training potential employees.
Mr. Higgs said in an interview that the casino, the second to open in Grand Bahama, would create a considerable number of jobs and transform the Our Lucaya Resort into a complete casino and beach facility for vacationers.
“The hotel would now provide further entertainment for guests at the hotel as well as for persons visiting Grand Bahama that may not be guests,” he said.
Casino is a major investment
Mr. Higgs said that the opening of another casino in Grand Bahama marks the first major investment to build a casino outside of the continental United States.
“All of their other operations are in the continental U.S. and this is their first venture internationally,” he said.
On October 1, Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. announced completion of agreements to a operate a casino at Our Lucaya. Mr. Higgs explained that currently the casino was not located in the hotel itself, but is a building that was “fairly close” to the hotel property.
Officials of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. announced on Wednesday that the company had completed the agreements to lease and operate a casino at Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort in Freeport, Grand Bahama. However, Mr. Higgs could not state how long the company had been negotiating with the Bahamian government to operate in The Bahamas.
Bernard Goldstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said Isle of Capri-Our Lucaya serves as the company’s introduction to international operations.
“I commend the Bahamian government for recognising the economic benefits of gaming within this world-class resort and look forward to a prosperous partnership with them,” he said.
Casino to be opened by winter
Our Lucaya, which is operated by Starwood Resorts, includes a Westin Hotel, a Sheraton Hotel, 16 food and beverage outlets, a tennis center, pool and spa and a Butch Harmon School of golf. The Isle of Capri expects the casino project to open by the Winter of 2003.
Timothy M. Hinkley, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., said : “To operate a casino in Our Lucaya is a natural extension of our brand, bringing fun, tropical escape to our IsleOne Players Club members. The project also opens a further opportunity to maximise the exclusive benefits of our IsleMiles deferred reward program, by offering travel to a fantastic Caribbean destination.”
Isle of Capri Casino, Inc. owns and operates 15 riverboat, dockside and land-based casinos at 14 locations, including Biloxi, Vicksburg, Lula and Natchez, Mississipi; Bossier City and Lake Charles (two riverboats), Louisiana; Black Hawk (two land-based casinos) and Cripple Creek, Colorado; Bettendorf, Davenport and Marquette, Iowa; and Kansas City and Boonville, Missouri. The company also operates Pompano Park Harness Racing Track in Pompano Beach, Florida.
By Tamara McKenzie, The Nassau Guardian
