After Tuesday’s heavy rains, water poured through the newly repaired roof and leaked into the lower levels of the 25-year-old Divi Carina Bay Casino, flooding parts of the building, according to General Manager Anton Kuipers. Speaking to the Casino Control Commission on Wednesday, Kuipers said water was still pouring into buckets from ceiling leaks as employees worked to manage the situation.
Kuipers explained that despite ongoing efforts and significant investments in repairs, including a new roof lining and air conditioning units, the roof—which had been leaking for years—was not fully fixed. He had hoped to report that the issues were resolved, but the new damage caused by Tuesday’s downpour revealed additional holes in the roof and walls. These will require a revised plan moving forward, he said.
The commissioners, who visited the casino on Tuesday before the rain to inspect the construction of employee housing, were unaware of the extent of the flooding until Kuipers showed them videos of the affected areas.
Casino Control Commission Chairman Marvin Pickering noted that the commission has been monitoring the leaky roof for over a year and said that at some point, the commission would have to take action, though he did not specify what that might entail.
During Wednesday’s meeting, the three commissioners also provided updates on their activities over the last quarter. Secretary/Treasurer Luther Renee, Vice Chair Carolyn Hermon-Percell, and Pickering reported attending a Senate hearing to discuss the commission’s budget, as well as interviewing candidates for casino inspectors and legal counsel positions.
Pickering reported that the commission’s total revenue for fiscal year 2024, including a $1,137,550 contribution from the Government of the Virgin Islands for payroll, amounted to $2,147,250. Expenses, including payroll, totaled $1,529,112, leaving a surplus of $618,138.
Divi Carina Bay Casino and Caravelle Hotel and Casino grossed $15,499,448 before payouts to winners. From this, 12 percent of the gross income is paid into the Casino Revenue Fund, with the commission receiving 25 percent of the tax revenue. The remaining 75 percent is allocated to other government agencies.
The casinos employ 318 people with a total payroll of $2,709,758. Expenses for “other goods and services,” including food, liquor, advertising, insurance, legal fees, and professional services, amounted to $16,404,957.
Ronan Oliver David, Director of Gaming Enforcement, also provided an update, reporting on investigations into applicants and complaints, jackpot verifications, and technical assistance. His team of three investigated 30 former employees, opened more than 40 electronic applications and addressed three complaints regarding alleged violations of Casino Commission rules.
The Caravelle Hotel and Casino also outlined plans for Responsible Gaming Month, which includes large posters, brochures, slot machine banners, and digital signs to promote awareness. Manager Rasheeda Russell said they would also send emails and buy radio ads to spread the message: “Take a break when gambling is no longer fun.”
Kuipers mentioned similar plans for Divi Casino during the awareness campaign.
