Video: Mapp Named Casino Commission Chair

November 21, 2017

[Updated] Cheryl-Ann Mapp was announced as the new Chairperson of the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission at a press conference this afternoon [Nov 21].

BCGC Chairperson Cheryl Ann Mapp Bermuda Nov 21 2017

Ms Mapp will replace Alan Dunch, who was appointed in 2015, and announced earlier this month that he will resign following the next monthly meeting of the Commission on December 6th.

The press conference has just concluded and we will have additional information later on, and in the meantime the 15-minute live video replay is below.

Update: Minister Simmons said, “Cheryl-Ann Mapp is a senior Member of the Bermuda Bar with a wealth of experience in regulatory law, governance, dispute resolution and compliance within financial services.

“Mrs. Mapp began her career in litigation as Crown Counsel in the Attorney General’s Chambers before being appointed to the judiciary as Magistrate and Coroner. She has enjoyed a well-rounded professional career and formerly operated her own compliance consulting practice advising clients within financial services and the public sector which included acting as the first Supervisor for the Barristers & Accountants AML/ATF Supervisory Board.

“Her other notable accomplishments include the establishment of an in-house legal department in her role as Senior Legal Counsel to the Bermuda Monetary Authority, Compliance Manager with Appleby [Bermuda] and General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the Ascendant Group of Companies, which includes BELCO.

“Mrs. Mapp recently returned to the private sector where she advises on regulatory law, corporate governance and provides corporate compliance consulting services locally and internationally.

“She is Chairperson of the Permanent Arbitration Tribunal, a Director of the Financial Intelligence Agency and acts as an independent non-executive director within the financial services and not for profit sectors in Bermuda having completed the Institute of Directors U.K. Certificate in Company Direction.

“Mrs. Mapp’s relevant and extensive experience within Bermuda’s regulatory environment and firm grasp of the issues relating to transparency, anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing ideally positions her to lead the Gaming Commission at this critical time.

“Cheryl-Ann Mapp steps into this position at a critical time not just for gaming in Bermuda but for the reputational security and stability of our economy.”

15-minute live video replay:

Update 5.52pm: Minister of Economic Development & Tourism Minister Jamahl Simmons’ statement:

Good afternoon

Today, I have the pleasure to announce the appointment of an outstanding Bermudian of character, integrity, strength and intellect to the role of Chair at the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission.

Cheryl-Ann Mapp is a senior Member of the Bermuda Bar with a wealth of experience in regulatory law, governance, dispute resolution and compliance within financial services.

Mrs. Mapp began her career in litigation as Crown Counsel in the Attorney General’s Chambers before being appointed to the judiciary as Magistrate and Coroner. She has enjoyed a well-rounded professional career and formerly operated her own compliance consulting practice advising clients within financial services and the public sector which included acting as the first Supervisor for the Barristers & Accountants AML/ATF Supervisory Board.

Her other notable accomplishments include the establishment of an in-house legal department in her role as Senior Legal Counsel to the Bermuda Monetary Authority, Compliance Manager with Appleby [Bermuda] and General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the Ascendant Group of Companies, which includes BELCO.

Mrs. Mapp recently returned to the private sector where she advises on regulatory law, corporate governance and provides corporate compliance consulting services locally and internationally. She is Chairperson of the Permanent Arbitration Tribunal, a Director of the Financial Intelligence Agency and acts as an independent non-executive director within the financial services and not for profit sectors in Bermuda having completed the Institute of Directors U.K. Certificate in Company Direction.

Mrs. Mapp’s relevant and extensive experience within Bermuda’s regulatory environment and firm grasp of the issues relating to transparency, anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing ideally positions her to lead the Gaming Commission at this critical time.

Cheryl-Ann Mapp steps into this position at a critical time not just for gaming in Bermuda but for the reputational security and stability of our economy. The stakes are high and the objective is clear; to establish a progressive, innovative and socially responsible gaming structure that protects against and severely punishes corruption.

Our priorities include meeting our obligations relating to gaming under the AML Assessment next year, insuring the smooth transfer of responsibilities for and regulation of Betting from the Ministry of Finance to the Gaming Commission and working together to deliver the full set of Casino Gaming Regulations necessary to set the highest level of standards for the industry.

We must also prepare our Bermudian people to take on roles at every level of the casino gaming industry.

Failure on any of these priorities is not an option and by working together, we will not fail.

At this time, I would like to publicly thank the outgoing Chairman, Mr. Alan Dunch for his service as the first Chair for the Gaming Commission.

As I conclude, I would like to thank Mrs. Mapp once again for accepting this position and look forward to working with her and the team at the Gaming Commission

Premier David Burt’s full statement

The Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, the Hon. Jamahl Simmons and I are here to announce the new Chairperson of the Casino Gaming Commission.

My Cabinet colleagues are here to be a part of this important press conference because they fully support and endorse the new Chair and this new Government’s approach to Gaming in Bermuda.

This Progressive Labour Party government wants to make sure we have a partner in the Casino Gaming Commission who is able to work with us in executing our vision for Casino gaming – gaming that works for the benefit of many.

It is important that commissions and organizations, which are created by acts of Parliament and funded by the tax payer, work cooperatively with policy makers … which in this case, are the persons behind me, who were chosen by the people of Bermuda on July 18th.

To address recent media reports, this Government will not be in control of the day to day operations of the Gaming Commission. The headlines and news stories which have been published in that vein are inaccurate.

To say that the government is taking away the independence of the Commission is not true. It is necessary for the government to have a working relationship with the Casino Gaming Commission.

An example is the government’s relationship with the Bermuda Monetary Authority. As the Minister of Finance, I have the ability to give directions to the BMA, but no one is saying that the Bermuda Monetary Authority is not independent.

This government has implemented and held ourselves to the highest ethical standards of any government in Bermuda’s History, and we will continue to operate in that fashion. We are fully aware of our responsibilities to our country and we will not do anything to jeopardize our hard earned reputation as a sound place to do business.

This government is committed to delivering Casino Gaming that will benefit all Bermudians and with that I am extremely pleased to invite the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism to introduce the new Chair of the Casino Gaming Commission.

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Comments (69)

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  1. Stay woke says:

    Burt 2 Dunch 0.Imagine that; there actually exists someone more qualified than a UBP/OBA choice…..masterful. And even though it ain’t cricket season: that one went sweetly all along the ground to the boundary….

    • Politricks says:

      It’s scary that you guys are cheer leading political interference in an area such as casino gaming. It’s almost if you want Bermuda to be viewed as a banana republic. Very strange what partisan politics does to one’s mind.

      • mixitup says:

        Very strange indeed what it does to the mind…that a previous Gov’t, who were elected on a platform of having a referendum on gaming therefore, allowing the populace to at minimun feel included, found it to shove gaming down the throats of the people and then tell them that they (through their elected MP’s) have no say in the running of it… Now this smells of something. Banana Republic you say?

        • Double S says:

          Deflection…deflection…deflection.

          Carry on

        • Politricks says:

          At least the former Government set up the commission to be free of political interference. You party in their dictatorial ways now want complete control for whatever ‘reasons.’

          Do you think that a well regulated jurisdiction in terms of gaming will allow unfettered political interference as the PLP’s bill allows them? Be honest with yourself.

          And if the referendum was that big of an issue as you and the PLP have made it out to be then why don’t the PLP rescind the Act and hod one?

        • Kevin says:

          For now the PLP faithful are a happy bunch …but it will not last your turn is coming they will bite the hand that feeds them and the noise will be deafening and the fighting will begin and then we will sit and watch the implosion
          Time will tell

      • Onion Juice says:

        U.B.P. had 300 years of Oligarchy control, now de tables have turned they cant handle when they cant pull de strings.

        • Mark says:

          But its going to negativelt affect all of us! Thats the worst excuse ever. My 5yr old says that when he gets in trouble. Sad

        • Dreamer says:

          And Bermuda has done nothing but go from strength to strength since 1998. Never seen the country in such a healthy position as it is today. Speaks volumes of the competence of the people running the show. Everyone should be proud and give themselves a pat on the back (maybe even two).

      • Stay woke says:

        What is scary (but predictable) is why “you guys” feel one political appointee is honest, upright and unimpeachable while another political appointee can only, by definition, be corrupt. Its a special kind of privilege and hubris that assumes an OBA appointee can never be touched and by divine right is presumed to be faultless and magically impartial. When you realize that this is why its 24-12 then you’ll understand my “cheering”.

        • Politricks says:

          Now you are obfuscating the truth of the matter. But I totally understand why as you need to keep the narrative going. It’s what “you giuys” do and all “you guys” have.

          No one has a problem with Ms. Mapp, the issue is the take over of a previously independent gaming commission by the politicians. It was designed to be apolitical for a reason as is the case for most reputable jurisdictions that have casino gaming. And lest we forget what unfettered PLP political interference did to the island the last time around (read the numerous Ag reports to refresh your memory if need be).

          Congratulations on your 24-12 victory. However, what good is it if the 24 fail to produce economic growth and by extension jobs. I can tell you now that jobs are leaving as we speak. But hey at least you the 24-12 to cheer on.

    • Mark says:

      Lol. Stay woke indeed! Just like you and your fellow trump voters right?!? Lol. Oh gawd thats funny and yet so sad.

    • Vote For Me and Your Loan is Free says:

      How ignorant are you? Do you not see what is happening here? This has NOTHING to do with experience, professionalism or even what is best for Bermuda. This is all about the PLP First Agenda. Jamal is happy because he got to flex some muscle and got what he wanted. Sad thing is that Jamal probably thinks that he is now Captain of this ship. Truth is that most people are running and jumping overboard.

      • Onion Juice says:

        So what was O.B.A.’s first agenda?
        Tic Toc

        • bdaboy says:

          “So what was O.B.A.’s first agenda?”

          Digging Bermuda out of the hole that the plp put us in.

          Seriously, you really are that stupid, OJ.

        • Up D Hill says:

          soon come when you will eat your words OJ,, TIC TOC TIC TOC!!!!

  2. Gofish says:

    Well done PLP! What Bermuda needs is an accomplished and respected Bermudian at the helm!

    Perfect choice and long may Mrs Mapp reign as our Gaming Chairperson!

    God bless!

    • Sickofantz says:

      Why what was wrong with Dunch?

      • Gofish says:

        Dunch? No money laundering or compliance background and too many visits to Las Vegas on trips with that director guy. Not to mention damaging the good name of businesses who now will more than likely turn around and sue Bermuda for damages. Read the media dummy the man was out of control as well as the milk man.

        • nerema says:

          If you reads the media, he was the only one not out of control. The only one we could trust, basically.

          Interesting what a ‘coincidence’ it was that he found Crockwell and Zane who ‘happened’ to be hanging out at the same gaming conference.

      • Earth watch police says:

        He wasn’t a real Bermudian we all know what makes you a REAl Bermudian.

    • sandgrownan says:

      It already had an accomplished and respected Bermudian at the helm. Oh wait, I know what you meant….silly me.

    • Joe Bloggs says:

      “What Bermuda needs is an accomplished and respected Bermudian at the helm!”

      Ok, no argument there. But are you suggesting that Alan Dunch is not Bermudian?

    • Mark says:

      Dunch is bermudian…just not a lackey

      • Double S says:

        You know these lot only believe ‘some’ people can be ‘real’ Bermudians.

        No different than the racist US birther movement.

      • Bogus says:

        You know Dunch? Obviously not.

    • Onion says:

      We had one. Simmons set fire to Bermuda’s reputation by forcing him out.

    • Zevon says:

      FourSeasonsGate and now this.

      They have their eyes on the prize, that’s obvious.

    • nerema says:

      Dunch is a competent and respected Bermudian.

      Oh wait, you mean ‘real Bermudian’ don’t you.

  3. inna says:

    What a diverse crew there!!

    • Double S says:

      PLP = Diversity for thee, not not for me!!

      • Truth Teller says:

        Here we go “Double S”. When we speak of diversity in the West it means having decision makers which include persons of colour and women as opposed to the norm historically where white males were usually the default choice.

        But something tells me that you already know that and you just decided to indulge in a little racist, white privilege style venting.

        • Double S says:

          Be quiet racist…

        • Zevon says:

          The PLP is not diverse. It has very ilittle in the way of minorities. Many of Bermuda’s minorities are not represented at all among the PLP. The PLP claiming to do things in the name of “diversity” is a joke.

  4. dick francis says:

    Ms Mapp looks very qualified indeed – but it still has not been properly explained why Alan Dunch had to go.

    • jammel juice says:

      And it won’t be other than to say he was not a team player.

  5. watching says:

    Great choice! Mrs. Mapp is a great choice and will do a wonderful job!

  6. Enough says:

    Friends and Family!

  7. jammel juice says:

    And it won’t be other than to say he was not a team player.

    • me says:

      How could he have been a team player when the first thing he was asked to do was to give in his resignation?

      • mixitup says:

        I swear that when the American Presidency changes parties that a similar thing occurs where political appointees tender their resignation, some are kept, others let go.. Isn’t that why David Dodwell ‘Retired.’

        • Zevon says:

          Is it a regular thing that other countries change the laws after elections for the purpose of firing non-political appointees?

  8. Mark says:

    Because he wouldnt do what they want

  9. Family Man says:

    Some people are starting to feel flush. I guess they can see the green.

  10. Tired of it already says:

    Couple peops in the photo thinking cha ching!

  11. legalgal says:

    Few self respecting lawyers would take this position under the circumstances. Who did the appointing and on what basis? Bermuda’s reputation has been badly damaged by this.

  12. Sherbet man says:

    Surrogate lol

  13. Mira says:

    Why do they need the whole cabinet to stand to attention like school kids it’s laughable and old fashioned

    • mixitup says:

      lol…Is this all you got from the press conference? This is why people likely don’t take you serious in life… you may want to check on that.

    • Mother Theresa says:

      Because it makes them feel big and important.

      • bdaboy says:

        “Because it makes them feel big and important.”

        It’s all they have. No balls, no brains.

  14. Coffee says:

    She’ll dismantle the Jetgate gaming foundation and lay down a fundamentally honest and proper footing that will serve all of Bermuda , not a select few .

    • nerema says:

      Will she get to the bottom of FourSeasonsGate? Or has she been told to leave that alone?

      • Bogus says:

        There was no outcome from Jetgate or 4SeasonsGate. Get over it. Let Mrs Mapp get her feet wet and tell us what the next steps are.

  15. Rhonnda Oliver says:

    Congratulations to Ms Mapp, I think she’ll do her best in the position.

    However, it’s sad that she had to take over the position in such controversy after the complete mishandling of the situation by Mr Simmons.

    I’m afraid due to how things were handled regarding Mr Dunch, the island may no longer be seen as a trusted destination for any respectable gaming company to invest in. And very possibly the poor handling may put a tarnish on our record as a stable, safe, business jurisdiction. I mean, how could it be when it’s obvious that the present government will create an Act to remove anyone they dislike from a non-political entity.

    • mixitup says:

      Similar to the OBA’s dealings with the Waterfront Development contract you mean? Of course you overlooked that right? I wonder why?

      • Politricks says:

        So are you defending the sham of an RFP that preceded the awarding waterfront development contract? Not surprising given your political allegiances.

        If you need a refresher I suggest you re-read the Ombudsman’s report which slammed the fake RFP process. Sure you won’t though as such facts always get in the way of the preferred narrative.

      • Reuben says:

        Um cause they were probably right given how the Par-la-ville hotel went.

      • Onion Juice says:

        They are used to “Do as I say not what I do.

      • Zevon says:

        Closing that thing down is probably the biggest bullet we’ve ever dodged.

  16. Rocky5 says:

    PLP should hold a referendum on Gaming immediately so the GOVT can find out what Bermudians really want before they push forward with something that Bermudians may NOT want!!!

  17. OnionAbroad says:

    One thing about Mrs.Mapp….she is no doormat! I believe she will do a great job especially under the circumstances that she has been appointed (which were unfortunate and extremely controversial)

    • Zevon says:

      She may be no doormat, but if she doesn’t do what they want she can be replaced any time Jahmal says so.
      You really don’t get it do you.

      • OnionAbroad says:

        Which brings me to my point….she’s no doormat. If that’s the case she’ll stick to what’s right even if that means walking. Have a great day :)

  18. Politricks says:

    Why are the PLP so power hungry?