Casino workers defy Trinidad and Tobago gov't

The Association said that while it accepted the recent invitation of the Finance Minister to meet with the casino owners, it remains empathetic for the plight of the affected employees, Loop Trinidad and Tobago reported.

The gaming body in statement on Sunday said the employees understand that the 100 percent tax is to be applied to the gaming equipment and not a tax on owners, and therefore will result in less equipment in the gaming industry.

It claimed that the Ministers of Finance continue to “parrot” misinformation, disinformation and even fabrications about the gaming industry.

The Association said most recently Minister West in her Senate Budget contribution repeated statements which it claimed were simply false, for example the gaming industry is estimated at between $15 billion to $20 billion.

It said this estimate is laughable and questioned where the estimates came from.

The Association added that at the recently held meeting on October 20 with Minister West, a request was made to furnish the Ministry with specific data.

However, it claimed that instead of waiting for the variable information, Minister West regurgitated a litany of disinformation in the Senate.

It said it will not waste its time to supply the information as Minister West’s engagement of the Association was only a public relations exercise.

The Members Club Association has therefore challenged the Ministers of Finance to an open debate on the issues relating to the gaming industry.

It said it is prepared to discuss “anywhere, anytime, any topic of the gaming industry and the issues of compliance and taxation along with employment.”

However, it said that the Ministers of Finance will avoid the open debate on the issue, claiming they are unable to respond to the facts presented on the industry.

During his budget presentation on October 3, the Finance Minister announced increased taxes for the gaming industry, effective January, 2018.

It is a move that has been strongly objected by both the Trinidad and Tobago Members Club Association and the Union of Members Club and Lottery Workers.