The Leader of the Opposition, Douglas Tomuriesa, has raised serious concerns about the government's support for the new Paga Hill Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Satellite Casino, launched on Friday, October 11th, in Port Moresby city. Mr. Tomuriesa echoed fellow Opposition MP Sasindran Muthuvel’s objections, focusing on the legality of the project, which he says does not have a valid license to operate. “Firstly, this narrative and current promotion of a casino as a ‘much-needed investment’ is laughable, especially in the poor economic climate we are currently facing," said the Opposition Leader. "A casino in Port Moresby is the last project the government should be supporting when the city’s residents have inadequate water and power supply, unsafe streets, and schools and hospitals lack the capacity to cater for the growing population.” According to documents reviewed by the Opposition, the casino project lacks a legal license for both construction and operation, with the discovery now raising concerns about why the project received endorsement from Prime Minister James Marape. Tomuriesa shared more details from a letter written by the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) CEO, Imelda Agon, to the Chairman of the NCDC Building Board. In the letter, dated October 3rd, and sighted by PNG HAUSBUNG, Ms. Agon stated that the gaming license held by Paga Hill Development Company is both invalid and outdated. She noted that the provisional license, which had been granted in 2021, had since been voided after the company failed to meet the necessary conditions. Tomuriesa added: “What is also mentioned and concerns me is that it appears that the company knowingly submitted the outdated and invalid license to the building board, even though NGCB advised the company on numerous occasions of its invalid license status.” He expressed his alarm at the kind of projects the government is supporting and its close ties with foreign business owners. He questioned why Prime Minister James Marape launched and endorsed the project, saying: “Anything James Marape launches or endorses also carries the endorsement of the Office of the Prime Minister and the State. To see Mr. Marape launch this casino project and proclaim how it is such a good investment for the country is concerning to say the least." Tomuriesa criticized the Prime Minister’s tendency to support projects that claim to bring large investments, even when there is little evidence of their viability. He advised Marape to “maintain the integrity of the office he occupies” and questioned what the Prime Minister has done for tourism in the last five years to justify backing a casino. He compared the situation with his home province, Milne Bay, which is a premier tourist destination due to its culture, environmental beauty, and safety, not because of gambling. “Cruise ships, adventure seekers, scuba divers, and other forms of tourists come to Milne Bay because of the cultural and natural allure – not to gamble their money.” He emphasized that improving tourism in Milne Bay requires the government to develop essential infrastructure like airports and wharves, ensure reliable commercial flights, provide training for the hospitality industry, ensure affordable fuel for businesses, fund police support, and improve maritime safety. "Not a casino," he added. He also pointed to other important tourist sites in Papua New Guinea that lack proper government support. He mentioned the Kokoda Track, which was closed due to landowner issues, and the National Museum and Art Gallery, which has faced funding problems despite its importance as a cultural treasure. “A genuine tourist goldmine like the Kokoda Track was closed down recently because of landowner issues, yet the Prime Minister didn’t attend to their grievances even after much fanfare when he walked the track with the Australian Prime Minister early this year.” “Another culturally and historically significant tourist attraction, to both domestic and international tourists, is the National Museum and Art Gallery right next to Parliament House. The museum houses some of PNG’s most important treasures, yet very little support has been given to the museum, and it has recently faced funding issues.” He also questioned the government’s support for the Wutung border post, which could attract tourists from Indonesia but has been neglected over the years. “Customs and Immigration services are hardly operating due to lack of government support, and as a result, we lose tourists from Indonesia/Jayapura who want to visit Vanimo and onwards,” he added. Mr. Tomuriesa ended by saying that instead of focusing on gambling and money, the government should improve Papua New Guinea’s international image and work on showcasing the best the country has to offer to visitors.