The Casino Gaming Amendment Act 2016 was passed without opposition in the Senate yesterday, paving the way for a new stream of economic activity on the island.

Also passed without opposition were the St George’s Resort Amendment Act 2016 and The Bribery Act 2016.

In passing the Casino Gaming Amendment Act, One Bermuda Alliance senator Michael Fahy noted that the Hamilton Princess and St George’s Resort had already been given designated site status while two further applications were being processed.

Mr Fahy expressed his gratitude to the Gaming Commission and its chief executive officer, Richard Scheutz, for working “diligently to move gaming forward for Bermuda”.

Independent senator James Jardine spoke favourably on extra measures taken to protect minors and vulnerable people as part of the legislative amendment.

Speaking on the St George’s Resort Amendment Act, Mr Fahy assured senators that every effort had been made to help the Olde Towne to retain its Unesco world heritage designation status.

Progressive Labour Party senator Renee Ming raised questions regarding an amendment that allows the developer of the hotel to have an organisation of its choice to make environment and traffic impact assessments as they relate to any “minor” adjustments to the development. Mr Fahy said that full assessments had already taken place and the amendment would merely offer flexibility on only minor changes from here on.

Mr Jardine said he was “disappointed” that the process to build a hotel in the East End had taken so long, saying that he had expected ground to have been broken by now.

Pressed on the need for public consultation, Mr Fahy said that the information regarding the new development was in the public domain, describing it as “one of the most transparent processes” undertaken by the Government.

Taking time to explain the planning process relating to the St George’s development, Mr Fahy said: “In the usual way all plans have been made available to the public to allow for objections and suggestions. The public will also be aware that the developer has made some changes to accommodate concerns raised by the Historical Building Advisory Committee relating the site line to Fort St Catherine and will also be providing public parking to facilitate beach use by the public. All in all the development is an exciting economic opportunity for St George’s and the Bermuda tourism product as a whole.”

The Bribery Act which is based on the United Kingdom’s Bribery Act 2010, was enthusiastically embraced by senators of all affiliations.