By Alva Solomon
THE PERMIT granted to a city businessman to operate a casino at a hotel in a residential area on Church Street in the city is likely to be reviewed, and the Muslim community nearby views the scenario as an “insult to Islam”.
The hotel under construction is located at the corner of Albert and Church Streets, and persons reported that parking considerations at the Merriman Mall were given to the hotel owners.
Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan , told this newspaper Thursday that the issuance of the relevant permit to operate a casino falls under the remit of the Gaming Authority . He said that while he was unaware of the issue, he would examine the matter.
Reports are that the permit to operate a casino at the location was granted to the businessman by the previous administration. Ramjattan said even if this were the case, the permit would be reviewed. The building in question is owned by a city businessman who also operates another hotel a few buildings away from the site.
Yesterday, the Imam of the Queenstown Masjid, Imam Shaheed Mohammed told the Guyana Chronicle that the Muslim population was unaware of the issue until it was highlighted this week by Former Chief Magistrate, K Juman Yassin , who wrote on the matter in the letter columns of two newspapers.
He said that the area in question was close to the Seventh Day Adventist Church, while another church lies in Albert Street, two doors away from the hotel. Two churches are located on North Road, opposite the hotel. He said that the area is a residential one, adding that the play-park on Merriman Mall should also be considered since it is visited by families almost daily.
SMV Nasseer of the Queenstown Masjid also opposed the planned move by the businessman. He said that the matter was one which lies in disregard for the religious organsiations. Nasseer noted that the masjid was one which is frequented by worshippers from all parts of the country, noting that its doors were open late into the nights to facilitate worshippers.
He said the news of a casino being set up at the hotel comes as an “insult” to the Islamic community, noting that Islam opposes gambling .He said that the authorities should re-examine the arrangement put in place which granted the businessman licence to operate a casino at the location.
Persons in the area noted that the casino would taint the image of the community. One resident noted that while businesses bring benefits to neighbourhoods , a casino was not ideal for Church Street. “The street’s name is Church Street”, she added.
Yassin, in his letter stated that he could not,” comprehend how a licence could be granted for a casino to be opened in this area and more so, how the commission for the licensing of casinos could have granted permission”. He asked,” Did they not see the two long-established religious buildings there? Were they blind to the fact that this was a residential area? This will change the face of Church Street and Georgetown”. He described the situation as “shameful” and he called on those persons appointed to the licensing commission to resign in disgrace and if they do not, should be removed.
Former Trade and Tourism Minister, Manniram Prashad, was in 2014 ,re-elected Chairman of the Gaming Authority. Efforts yesterday to contact him for a comment on the issue proved futile.
The authority, mandated by laws established back in 2007, is the body which regulates how casinos are run in Guyana and it has powers to determine the content of how applications are made for casinos, fees, and it also has the power to set conditions for the restriction of licences.
Under the Gambling Prevention Act, only three licences can be issued in Guyana. Currently, the Ramada Georgetown (Princes Hotel) operates a casino and another casino was touted for opening at the Marriot Hotel.
