Think about the casino concept as there are more than 100 ways to skin a cat to ensure that Fiji benefits.
Those are the words of Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama during the Question and Answer session at the 2010 Budget Forum.
Bainimarama said every time the issue of setting up casinos is raised, people start criticizing it without thinking that this can result in benefits.
He said there can be controls put in place and the casinos can be restricted to only tourists with locals not allowed to take part in it.
The Prime Minister said the money earned from the casinos can be diverted to poverty alleviation.
Bainimarama added that most people, instead of helping in the reduction of poverty have their own agenda.
Commodore Bainimarama is expected to issue a statement later today.
Meanwhile, Fiji Council of Social Services Executive Director Hassan Khan, whose organization has opposed the setting up of casinos for more than 20 years, said he made his stand clear in the forum yesterday.
He said the advantages and disadvantages need to be weighed properly.
Feature
Think about the casino concept-PM