A casino will surely come with huge risks and consequences.
I believe in thinking big and outside the box, but the outward result should always be considered.
Fiji is still a developing country with many minds still unable to observe changes at that level.
One would debate by not having thrown these types of big ideas and developments will never help develop our country.
The point here is the mindset change and the proper usage. So, we are discussing public consultations on the above topic and restrict the same from entering such premises.
We talk about boosting tourism industry while attracting them to such lavish developments, ignoring the fact that the locals will be interested and inquisitive at the same time.
A pathway opening for many other problems like drugs being escalated adding more to the existent issues that are being highly looked at for solutions.
How strict the laws in operation to the Casino will be followed is another issue. The good and the big picture, comes the negativity and destruction as well if not handled well for a “developing country” as ours.
There is a right time for everything. Is the time right for Fiji to have a casino?
What is happening with the Lautoka swimming pool? The FNU campus in Labasa? The Shirley Park reclamation? Or the improvements required for our public hospitals?
While getting new ideas, please do not forget the unfinished projects. We have high hopes for it to be taken into consideration.
I’m not against developments but prioritising it accordingly with risk analysis should be paramount.
Happy New Year to all.
An artist’s impression of the David Group’s casino project.