Government grants license to casino that will generate more than 250 jobs in São Vicente

The event, which took place in the meeting room of the Ministry of the Sea, was attended by the Minister of Tourism and Transport, José Luís Sá Nogueira, the inspector-general for Gaming, José Augusto Cardoso, and the representative of Monte Cara Casino, Maria da Conceição Fortes.

The idea, according to the minister, is to bring yet another development to São Vicente that represents a driving factor for tourism and has a direct impact on the local economy.

"It has to be responsible, it has to be something that has a positive impact on the economy and socially and it has to be very well monitored and controlled so that we can guarantee the impact we want," said José Luís Sá Nogueira.

The project, according to the same source, could lead to a significant increase in the number of tourists and also boost small and medium-sized entertainment businesses.

"This project that we have just signed represents an investment of around five million euros and is expected to create 100 direct jobs and 150 to 300 indirect jobs," said the government official, who said that part of the revenue raised will be made available to the São Vicente City Council and some community associations.

"This project that we have just signed represents an investment of around five million euros and is expected to create 100 direct jobs and 150 to 300 indirect jobs," he said.

The concession will initially generate state revenue of more than 70,000 escudos, of which 50,000 escudos have already been deposited and the rest will be deposited in phases.

From the promoters, Maria da Conceição Fortes assured that the Monte Cara Casino, which will be built on Avenida Marginal, near Porto Grande, is yet another "bold bet on innovation and modernity" for the island, but always with "respect for Mindel's identity".

"It's more than a gaming resort, it's a milestone in Cape Verde's tourist and economic development, fully in line with the national strategy of diversifying the tourist offer", the representative assured.

In her view, the project will bring a new dimension of responsible leisure, culture and entertainment to the island, contributing to São Vicente's increasing prominence on the international map of tourist destinations of excellence.

Maria da Conceição Fortes emphasized the fact that the promoters of the initiative have not just arrived in the country, but have been present and committed for several years to the development of the tourism sector and responsible gaming, namely through the management of the Royal Casino on Sal Island, and other initiatives linked to tourism and hospitality.

And so this further endorsement from the state means, he stressed, "a clear sign of confidence in the technical competence, financial solidity and seriousness of the group and its partners".

The concession is valid for 25 years, and may be extended subject to specific conditions and a favorable opinion from the General Gaming Inspectorate, which is responsible for supervising and overseeing the contract.

On completion of the contract, all the assets and infrastructure allocated to the project will revert to the state, without the right to compensation.