By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ABOUT 150 casino workers are expected to join the unemployment line in Grand Bahama this week due to the closure of Treasure Bay Casino on December 4.

A source told The Tribune that workers are expected to be paid their severance packages on Friday, December 2.

When contacted for comment, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe indicated that the closure would be temporary and the employees will likely be rehired once the casino reopens under new management.

“They will be replaced by another company, we’re completing (due diligence) work on them as well and they hopefully will begin the transition process a week or so post closure,” Mr Wilchcombe told The Tribune.

“All employees will be satisfied by the severance from Treasure Bay and the government. The arrangement we’re discussing now is for the employees to be rehired.

“We’re hoping to bring a more exciting casino to add to what we’re doing in Grand Bahama.”

Attempts to reach officials at the casino, which is closed for repairs due to hurricane damage, were unsuccessful.

The Tribune attempted to speak with Craig Turner, a casino executive, but was told by a security worker that he was not on property at the time.

“They are just incurring expenses – they are gone,” said the source. “They were just keeping it open for the government.”

It is understood that government was subsidising the casino in Lucaya.

The source added: “I was told that the casino will be paying severance on December 2. The closure of Memories Resort has severely impacted the operation which relied on guests from the resort, which closed in early October following hurricane damage.”

The resort property is expected to reopen in the middle of December.