Church leaders have told the local press that they doubt a casino will benefit tourism, warning of negative outcomes for the poor.

A Tahiti-based businessman, Franck Falletta, has offered to take over the loss-making hotel if he can turn it into a casino.

In a further development, Walter Zweifel reports.

"The president Oscar Temaru has stunned the public with news that he is in talks with unnamed Russians to save the hotel with its more than 100 employees."

"He has dismissed a plan by a local businessman to convert the hotel into a casino, saying occult powers are at play while the businessman claims that he is guided by divine forces."

"The churches have also spoken out against the idea of casinos, which Mr Temaru says is not on the Russians' agenda."

Source

• Radio New Zealand International
• Radio New Zealand International
• Image: Carnival Conquest