Friday, October 20, 2006

As reported by Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday: "Prime Minister Patrick
Manning yesterday told protesting private members clubs and casino workers
that Government stands firm on its opposition against casinos and
casino-type establishments and the local gaming industry will be
restructured so it complies with the law. "Prior to speaking with Manning,
the club owners said Government should take any information it had about
gaming establishments being involved in money laundering, to the police.
"Under the watchful eyes of the police, nearly 1,000 private members clubs
and casino workers assembled outside Whitehall around 9 am to protest
Manning's anti-gambling statements in his October 4 Budget presentation in
Parliament. "Many of them, wearing 'PNM voter' shirts shouted chants of 'no
work, no vote' as they demanded an audience with Manning and for Government
to protect their jobs. The Prime Minister arrived at Whitehall around noon
and briefly met with the workers..."