~ Ordinance still violated as Cannegieter Street entrance being used.~
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of TEATT Ludmilla de Weever has buckled to pressure given by those in the Ministry of Economic Affairs to reopen Rouge et Noir Casino. The casino which was shut down by the Minister on November 25th has since been allowed to reopen while no explanations can be obtained from the Minister who said she shut down the casino based on the law and not her emotions.
Rouge et Noir Casino obtained a decree from former Minister of TEATT Stuart Johnson to move into the Super Plaza Building even though the building is very close to Sundial School, the Philipsburg Library, and a doctor's office. Based on the gaming policy that states that a casino cannot be next to any sensitive buildings. The former Minister of TEATT did specify in the decree he granted to Rouge et Noir that they are prohibited from using the Cannegieter Street entrance since that entrance is too close to the Sundial School.
Minister de Weever told SMN News that the owners of Rouge et Noir were in violation of the ministerial decree and as such, the order to shut down was issued.
It should be noted that the Chinese investors have been hiring undocumented workers that are brought in from neighboring islands by boat. All of which has been reported to the Department of Labor and the Inspectorate of Labor but thus far nothing has been done.
It should also be noted that the Chinese investor did not pay any taxes since March 2020 while they did not pay their SZV premiums for the year. The source said that the investor also has a number of undocumented Chinese working for them since their working permits have expired and could not be renewed due to the unpaid taxes and unpaid business license.
Sources within the government have said that certain civil servants were allegedly paid large sums of money to issue positive advice for the change of location and those involved are the ones that pressured the Minister to reopen the casino even though they are in violation.
SMN News contacted the Minister of Monday for an update on the decision made to reopen the casino and now allowing them to use the Cannegieter Street as their main entrance. Whenever the Minister provides the answers to the questions posed to her this article will be updated.
Rouge et Noir Casino temporarily allowed to open via Cannegieter Street
The Minister of TEATT Ludmila de Weever made the decision to allow Rouge et Noir Casino to use the emergency exit door on Cannegieter Street as a temporary entrance to the casino until January 15, 2021. This will allow sufficient time for Rouge et Noir casino to carry out structural repairs to the building without impacting the livelihoods of its employees. After this date, the casino must resume using its main entrance on Back Street, which is in accordance with the original license conditions. Noncompliance with this decision will result in the closure of the casino.
