Vanuatu’s casino groundbreaking

When Iririki Island Resort re- opened last week, there was more to remark upon than 300 of Port Vila’s best and brightest gathering to celebrate the landmark event. Quietly and without fuss, the island’s Jewel Casino made history, hiring the first ni-Vanuatu casino manager in the country. Daniel Sope is no stranger to the country’s gaming establishments. For about 16 years now, he has made his mark in nearly half a dozen different casinos, every time gaining a little more experience and seniority. Now, Shaun McNamara, Jewel Casino’s senior manager, has enough faith in this stalwart to leave him looking after the shop. Mr Sope will start with the official title of assistant casino manager, but his responsi- bilities do not differ in any way from those of his boss. “There are people who have more experience than he does,” Mr McNarama said. “But nobody has his ability to stay calm remain unruffled no matter what happens. You just can’t learn that.”

The casino, dubbed a ‘bijou’ operation by its designer Bernie Millman, is indeed an intimate spot. With only 20 pokie machines, about half a dozen card tables and a unique two-ended roulette setup, is definitely an intimate experience. The Jewel eschews several casino stereotypes.

First off, the building has an expansive view looking back across Vila Bay into the town.

Vanuatu Daily Post