Minister’s Trip To Gaming Expo Cost $4,260.07
According to the latest listing on the Government’s travel webpage, a trip by Minister of Tourism Development & Transport Shawn Crockwell and his Permanent Secretary to a Gaming Expo in Las Vegas cost $4,260.07.
The trip took place from Sunday, September 28, 2014 to Thursday, October 02, 2014, and the listing on the webpage said, “The Ministry of Tourism Development and Transport is responsible for Gaming Legislation.
The cost of 6 trips have been listed since the webpage went live
“In Las Vegas, the Minister of Tourism Development and Transport accompanied by his Permanent Secretary attended various sessions and key note addresses at the Global Gaming Expo,” the website listing continued.
“Three days of sessions addressed topics on regulatory requirements, security, problem gaming, money laundering issues and industry best practices for Bank Secrecy Act Compliance. As well as, crime prevention, maximizing customer experiences and managing social behaviour.
“Key note speakers included industry icons Stephen A. Wynn, Chairman of the Board & CEO, Wynn Resorts, Limited and Sheldon Adelson, Chairman & CEO, Las Vegas Sands Corp.
“The costs for the Permanent Secretary are reflected in the expenses associated with the Minister of Tourism Development and Transport.”
Expenses
- Air Travel: $1,958.90
- Ground Transportation: $117.50
- Accommodation: $1,714.64
- Meals: $345.03
- Miscellaneous: $124.00
- Total Cost: $4,260.07
The webpage detailing the costs of Minister’s travel went live in October 2014, and you can view all our coverage of it here.
In delivering on a promise to be transparent the OBA have also set themselves up for criticism.
People aren’t going to be happy until they’re travelling by foot everywhere and staying in youth hostels.
You sound really stupid and naive lol. The people won’t be happy until they have a Government who actually serves the people and their needs, instead of a Government that operates hiding behind the empty distorted promise of transparency.
Bie’ isn’t this a big change? Thank you, (all who are responsible) for keeping Govt. accounts in order for the public to scrutinize.
Now lets just catch-up with the unaccounted for millions of dollars spent by the previous Govt.(Progressive Labour Party) while they were our / Bermudas leaders
Why are we wasting any time or money on introducing gambling to Bermuda now? It is a thing of the past and people either do not have money to waste or to lose, especially when the odds are against you from the outset.
because developers &/or management groups want a casino that’s why. it’s part and parcel of the entertainment experience they want to offer, just like a swimming pool. it may not be what you or we want but it’s the way of the world. if you want a hotel built, this is what you have to offer unfortunately.
I completely agree with you on this one Dude. Saying Bermuda missed the boat does not change the fact that even though we did not get in with the rush; we STILL fail to offer gambling as an option.
If you believe it is NOT worth perusing, you need to get off this Island more often. I am currently travelling to the Caribbean and overheard tourist talking on the flight down. They mentioned different Island destinations and in reply to a question, one replied “Great location for laying by the beach during the day and hitting the Casino at night”. Now, I get that these individuals mindset may NOT be that of ALL tourist; but if you don’t offer the options, that’s less tourist who will 1. even consider you as a destination and 2. talk about their experience to their friends.
And as Dude mentioned developers consider ALL their options before investing in locations. Why shot ourselves in the foot from go?
I have been to the Expo several times and I guarantee he had a lot of fun hopefully he learned something . The expo is really for operators and suppliers and is extremely important if you are active in the market unfortantly I don’t see us being to active. I really hope we open gaming to all to ensure maximum revenue for government and let the market dictate the competition.
I hope there is a report to read that details of what benefit this trip was to Bermuda. Also looking forward to an update on the Club Med site.
Since you’re being so damn inquisitive, why not ask about the millions of unaccounted for dollars while we were led by the Progressive Labour Party?
The faults of the old government doesn’t mean we shouldn’t require the new one to be transparent and accountable. The PLP’s past leadership shouldn’t be the standard. So to hold the OBA to that doesn’t help move us forward. I simply want to know what benefit we received from this trip as well as an update on Club Med.
I couldn’t agree more. We cannot allow the 14 years under the PLP to be the standard that the OBA is measured. That wouldn’t make for a stronger Bermuda.
Asking stupid questions every five minutes doesn’t make for a stronger Bermuda either.
I think any relevant findings from the expo would be reflected in the act that has been tabled.
We missed the gaming boat a long long time ago as we frittered away doing what we do best. Talk, talk, talk.
Yes, it should be permitted. No, it should not be limited to only a few establishments. Any restaurant, bar, guesthouse, even private club willing to pay the fees should be able to have machines, even a dedicated room, should they wish.
OBA, get on with it. Enough talk. Enough trips.
Then I would suggest you write to the Minister, Shawn Crockwell at (scrockwell@gov.bm) for the answers to your question…
Surely a trip to Singapore for two should have answered all of the relevant questions. Just how many trips on gaming does a Minister need to answer yes or no? Also, why is this decision not under the remit of the highly paid BTA executives,they have all the expertise needed to answer this question? Complete duplication of effort and money.
Thank you “OBA” for being up from and honest with your trips.
And not WILD WILD WEST as the previous Administration.
There was no end and no accountability as to the amounts the Previous Goverment would “WASTE”.
You would not believe the “TRIPS” that were paid for by the TAX DOLLAR,
especially if YOU “NEEDED” to take some of your Family on Holiday.
These idiots have wasted time and money going to Singapore and Las Vegas when a hours flight on that bie’s free jet to Bahamas could’ve answered all the pros and cons with the same demographic of locals and tourist . Feeding at the trough by any means necessary with the full understanding that it was frowned upon when the last administration didi it . No difference , no results , absolute zero progress justified with full disclosure of funds spent and squandered .
Now it’s time to laugh at the responses covering for this nonsense !
This jet setter has wasted time and money going to Singapore and Las Vegas when a hours flight on that bie’s free jet to Bahamas could’ve answered all the pros and cons with the same demographic of locals and tourist . Feeding at the trough by any means necessary with the full understanding that it was frowned upon when the last administration didi it . No difference , no results , absolute zero progress justified with full disclosure of funds spent and squandered .
Now it’s time to laugh at the responses covering for this nonsense !
OBA needs to get on with it. Almost 2 years now. What are you doing?