People’s National Party Member of Parliament, Phillip Paulwell, has expressed concerns that Jamaica may have to import labour for the casinos which will be established once casino gaming becomes legal here in Jamaica. He raised the point during yesterday’s meeting of the committee deliberating the Bill establishing the regulatory framework for casino gaming in luxury-integrated resort developments here in  Jamaica, of which casino gaming would be one component.

The Bill also seeks to establish a body to be known as the Casino Gaming Commission, which will have regulatory functions over how casino gaming is conducted. The commission will, among other things, be empowered to ensure that casino gaming is conducted fairly, legally and in a manner which protects children and other vulnerable persons.

Yesterday, Paulwell queried whether any of the three groups that have so far indicated an interest in establishing the facilities had disclosed the number of staff required, and said that the issue of employment in these entities needs to be addressed.

He added: “I would hate for us to be issuing work permits to fill these positions. The point is quite critical because we are seeking the establishment of casinos as an important element of our job creation activities and it could very well be that we, on day one, aren’t able to fulfil the requirements.”

Paulwell said he was concerned, based on the range of the due diligence and the number of individuals who would be needed, how those persons for employment in casinos would be attracted outside of importing them.

In response to Member of Parliament Paulwell, Derrick Peart, the executive director of the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC), said it was imperative that Jamaica begins preparing.