PANJIM: The State government appears to be working towards moving the offshore casino vessels out of River Mandovi, as one casino owners has shown willingness to move to Aguada Bay.
Panjim MLA Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate, who had promised his voters to move the casino vessels out of the Mandovi, was the first to break the news to media persons after meeting with Ports Minister Michael Lobo.
“The dolphin-shaped casino will be moved out soon. We will meet Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and then we will have an inspection where to move the vessel,” said an elated Monserrate.
Asked to name the casino and where they would be moved, Monserrate said, “We have just discussed this and now things will follow.”
Asked whether the casino’s offices will also be moved to other side, he said, “Just wait, their licences are still valid, once they expire we can act.”
The Panjim MLA had come in for criticism from activists as well as citizens as he had failed to keep his decision of moving the casinos out in 100 days.
Lobo said that it was just a preliminary discussion and the CM has to take a final decision. “We met today after a casino owner offered to move to Aguada side,” he said.
He stated that before taking any decision or inspection, he would consult the chief minister as he is the licensing authority. “As Home Minister he gives the licence and I cannot announce anything unless he is consulted,” Lobo said.
