Employees at the casino at Our Lucaya Resort in Freeport were notified yesterday by the casino partner, Treasure Bay, that it will formally pull out in 30 days, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe confirmed last night. Treasure Bay has operated the casino since 2009 when it took over from Isle of Capri. Wilchcombe said the government is in talks with prospective casino partners to take over. "We are working diligently to ensure that we are able to continue the services at Freeport and that the casino will remain open," he said.
"The former administration was able to cause for the company to continue as the operators of the casino in Freeport after the last group that was there moved on, and so they have continued for several years and they have now given notice they are moving on. "We are appreciative of the fact that Bahamians remain in the workplace. Unfortunately, the brand did not serve to help us in growing the numbers to Grand Bahama, and that is our focus, to find an operator that would cause a new level of entertainment and excitement to help Grand Bahama to find itself, to become that place where there is entertainment and fun generally."
Wilchcombe said he is hopeful that a deal will be concluded soon. He could not confirm how many employees currently work at the casino, but noted that at one point there were as many as 300. "I'm sure it changed dramatically," he said. Wilchcombe noted that the government foreshadowed the pullout several months ago. In October, Prime Minister Perry Christie said plans were underway to strengthen the casino, noting that Treasure Bay will operate it until January 2013, after which time a replacement operator will take over and manage a smaller, refurbished and more exciting casino.
When it took over in 2009, Treasury Bay said, "As longtime developers and operators of Caribbean gaming properties, we plan to apply our experience at Our Lucaya to achieve strong fiscal results. "There is no doubt that this property holds the type of potential that can be enhanced by our proven business model."
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