Without Jorge Oliveira, Macau might not have had six concessionaires. The former head of the Gaming Commission was instrumental in devising the clever run-around that enabled Galaxy and Las Vegas Sands to split their license, put US$900m into Steve Wynn’s pocket, and ensured the Ho kids had their opportunity to make dad proud. Even though his Canadian-bred boss was the one who made sure the foreigners ultimately understood how the game would work for them in Macau, it was Oliveira who put a veneer of legal respectability on proceedings back in the good old days before the Ao Man Long scandal. The face of the government to Wall Street, he was also a key figure in putting Macau on the map as an investment destination. While it lasted, that is.
As the Macau Daily Times reports in today’s edition, Oliveira, who was not renamed to the Gaming Commission by the new Chief Executive when he took power this year, is departing for personal reasons related to his father’s health. His contract runs out in a few months anyway. Talk of CCAC investigations appear to be just rumor, and Oliveira denied any link with Soconsult, the consultancy that the government publicly terminated earlier this year. To those who knew him, he will be missed. We feel easier knowing that David Green is back in public service, but Oliveira will be a loss anyway.
Used with permission & copyright to IntelMacau
The “veneer of legal respectability” was in fact no more than that: a thin make up for a gross contempt of the law. And I wouldn’t be that sure about the CCAC investigation being just a rumour. And, honestly, no one sound of mind believes that Oliveira is leaving because of his father’s poor health! I am glad that the new Chief Executive is pulling up some weeds.