Entertainer plans casino

Monday, Jan. 13, 2003 | 9:47 a.m.

CHRISTIANSTED, U.S. Virgin Islands -- Jermaine Jackson of the Jackson 5 plans to open a $560 million casino resort in this U.S. Caribbean territory, officials said.

In partnership with Connecticut developer Curtis Robinson, Jackson plans to build the 1,400-room resort in Robin Bay, on the eastern end of St. Croix, Lt. Gov. Vargrave Richards said Friday.

Jackson and his partners are waiting to arrange for more funding before beginning construction, Richards said, without giving details.

The resort is to include a casino, a golf course, time shares and a conference center. U.S. Virgin Islands authorities have already approved a casino license, Richards said.

Jackson was in St. Croix last week, attending festivities surrounding the inauguration of Gov. Charles Turnbull to a second four-year term as head of the territory's government.

"I think it's the first opportunity for Mr. Jackson to see the property and to meet the governor," Richards said.

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