At a press conference yesterday afternoon, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka put to rest speculation and comments in the public domain with regard to a proposed casino development project in Fiji.

The deal in question was Chinese investor David Group’s proposed $2 billion integrated casino, enclosed stadium, adventure park and resort project.

In the process of saying the People’s Coalition Government has not considered or approved any policy guideline on the issuance of casino license, Mr Rabuka did reveal that in April this year, Cabinet considered the proposal to issue a casino license to the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF).

The PM did not say that the proposal was shot down, he said it was agreed that a decision “be deferred and considered at a later date.”

Mr Rabuka has not completely ruled out a casino development in Fiji.

He said before there was any further discussion on the matter, the Coalition Government would need to develop a clear and robust policy guideline on the issuance of casino license in the country – and this would only happen following comprehensive consultations with all stakeholders.

“I wish to reiterate that until such time that happens, no casino license will be issued to any entity by the People’s Coalition Government,” the PM said.

Fiji One news has sent questions to FNPF, seeking information about the April casino license proposal.