Kerzner 59, who is often compared to Donald "They don't even look like
Indians" Trump expects to put up $175 million. But he won't be the only
investor. A group of local businessmen allowed Kerzner to join them in
the effort *to finance, build and manage* the casino for the newly
federally recognized Mohegans.
Oh yes, Kerzner is wanted by South African authorities, according to the
New London Day, who have a warrent for his arrest which charges him with
bribery, corruption and fraud.
The new casino would be 10 miles from the Mashantucket Pequot's Foxwoods,
the largest and most profitable casino in the world.
The Pequots have tried to be helpful to their brothers to the west. But most
Indian tribes in the area were driven to near extinction either by being
massacred or suffering from some imported European disease. Some
local tribes disappeared entirely. Hence the need for assistance in
rebuilding. And the gaming route is one way.
So far, the Foxwoods operation appears to be clean. The casino and
surrounding area is safe. And the Pequots appear to be respecting Mother
Earth while developing. Their operation started with a $55 million loan
from a Malaysian family of gambling entrepreneurs. They were not
involved in the running of the casino. Recently, the family joined the
Mashantucket Pequots in the building of the Two Trees Inn, off the
reservation, where they will share in the profits. But their loan
entitled them to interest and not a hand in management.
Only time will tell how the Mohegans will fare. This writer is
apprehensive about the alliences struck. It is apparent, however, that
the Creator and the Ancestors are close. The pipe is lifted......
Pablo (Paul Bristol)