New law would allow more casinos in Puerto Rico

Project 2250 creates the Law for the Tourism Promotion for the Local Economic Development, which aims to boost tourism in the island. Its authors are Carlos “Johnny” Méndez and president of the chamber, Jenniffer González.

“This law also facilitates the creation of eco-tourism initiatives. In particular, it creates the Green Triangle, a concept that comprises the development of eco-tourism initiatives in places such as the islands Vieques and Culebra and tropical rainforest of El Yunque, for the economic development of the eastern region of Puerto Rico. It will also facilitate the sustainable development of the lands in which former naval base called Roosevelt Roads was located”, affirms the project.

For Jorge Colberg Toro, representative of PPD, the language of the measure opens the doors to the increment of games of chance in the island. He added that it is something harmful for society because it increases gaming addiction.

“We voted against the project because it liberalizes the installation of casinos in all Puerto Rico”, pointed Colberg, who affirmed that this is one of many measures presented by this administration in order to boost gaming. “We do not want Puerto Rico to be a kind of Las Vegas in the Caribbean.”

Besides, Méndez said that it is not the purpose of the project, but to attract new investors and allow city councils to benefit economically. He said that, if more casinos are established, they would be regulated under the same rules present in the current law, which is in force since 1948.

“What is good for Puerto Rico, people from PPD always say is bad; they had eight years to do something in Roosevelt Roads and they didn’t do anything”, assured Méndez.