Casinos protest gaming tax hike

Fifty employees of the Ma Pau Members Club of Ariapita Avenue yesterday held a demonstration outside Whitehall to protest Government’s increase in gaming taxes which they assert will result in severe employment cutbacks in 2004. In his Budget presentation for the fiscal year 2003/2004, Finance Minister Prime Minister Patrick Manning announced Government’s intention to increase the fee on slot machines from $2,000 per annum to $10,000 and those on poker tables from $8,000 to $20,000. Other unspecified tables and devices would attract a fee of $10,000 while fees in respect of all other specified tables such as Baccarat and Roulette were increased by 25 percent. These increases were implemented with immediate effect, resulting in protest from casinos and members’ clubs throughout the country. Speaking to Newsday, human resources manager at the club, Sherry Persad, noted that employees were attempting to make Prime Minister Patrick Manning aware that his actions have affected a number of persons, whom she stated, include single mothers who have been with the club for a number of years.

She said, “The company has to be feasible. If expenses exceeds sales, they will have to make cutbacks, especially in the area of human resources.” Persad criticised what she called Government’s “double standards,” noting that while it did not support the gambling profession, the Lotto and Play Whe games were flourishing. “GTECH is supposed to be bringing in slot machines in January with Government’s support,” she revealed, asking, “how can this be appropriate when they say they do not support what we are doing?” “The PM needs to look at this more carefully,” Persad continued. “He must be aware that his actions are affecting persons who voted for him. We have apparently voted ourselves out of a job.” General Manager at Ma Pau, Brian Phillips, was supportive of the employees’ demonstration. He noted that because of the increase in taxes, cutbacks were inevitable.