Prime Minister Keith Mitchell, in his annual new year’s message last Thursday, denied that the government has granted a license to a developer to operate a casino at a cruise ship port and shopping center in the capital. "I wish to make it perfectly clear that contrary to rumors in certain quarters, government has not taken any position on casino gambling," Mitchell said. The prime minister said the government will consult with the relevant interest groups before taking any steps on the matter. "Any such decision will only be made after full and exhaustive national consultations with all of the relevant stakeholders in Grenada including the churches, non-governmental organizations and the private sector," he said. The chief executive of Zublin Grenada Ltd. has reportedly said the country should permit a casino to make the island more attractive to tourists and investment. However, religious leaders and others continue to reaffirm their stance that they don't want to see gambling legalized on the island.