GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Nov 07 2016 – The Guyana Gaming Authority (GMA) Monday confirmed it had denied a licence to a soon to be opened 150-room hotel after citing a number of deficiencies in its application.
The GMA apparently reacting to allegations of political interference, said it had received the application from Sleepin International Hotel and Casino Inc. on August 2 this year seeking a casino license and a casino premise license.
“The Authority wishes to state that having received and thoroughly considered the application it unanimously found no evidence upon which it could arrive at a determination that Sleepin International Hotel & Casino Inc. qualifies for the issuance of the licenses applied for, having regard to its failure to provide the Authority with documents evidencing its financial soundness and capability, one of the critical criteria for the granting of such licenses. “
The GMA said that it had cited this deficiency “as a grave defect the applications…since the regulations Section 29 (a) (1) (c) speak clearly and specifically to “the financial soundness and financial capability of the applicant.”
It said that the owners of the hotel had been notified of the decision.
But in a statement, said it was informed of the refusal of the license and the need for more financial information and that it is now in the process of getting that information before submitting a new application.
Clifton Bacchus, who owns the hotel, said that when completed the facility will employ 300 people.
