Interview with Alda Bedminister-Joseph, Operations Manager 

What is the history of NLA/Blast in Grenada?

Our parent company Canadian Bank Note Company (CBN) established in 1897 has been a technical partner with the NLA for over 30 years.  We are the global leader in the design, development and integration of secure, leading-edge technology for governments across the globe. Together, we have deployed complex solutions that secure borders, protect national currencies and generate revenue for government social initiatives. We have been printing currency in Canada since 1910.  Other capabilities include passports and passport systems (we produce passports for 35 countries including Grenada), border management systems, visas and visa systems and biometrics.  We operate national lotteries and are technical partners to many islands in the Caribbean.  We work with 80 countries worldwide.

How many locations and employees do you have?

Currently, we operate four entertainment centers located at Esplanade Mall, Wall Street, Grenville and Gouyave, and 14 independent agents operating in different locations in Grenada.  We have 31 members of staff, and we have also provided many more jobs through agent networks and our contractors.

You recently launched your Gouyave branch, how significant is the location?

Location is quite significant.  A key factor is creating a comfortable environment in a location that is convenient and safe for our customers.  This center is centrally located and is easily accessible to our customers.

What are your expectations?

Our expectation is to operate successfully while maintaining our key policy “responsible gaming” and giving back to the community.

Before you opened your Gouyave office, a relationship existed between you and that community. Can you outline ways in which you have and continue to support that community?

We have an established relationship with the community of Gouyave since the initial launch of the Blast product in 2016, and we have maintained that relationship.  In April of this year, we sponsored the Gouyave Easter Regatta with over $25,000 contributions and pledge our commitment to continue supporting this Festival in 2020 and beyond.  We have also supported other community initiatives specifically a recent domino competition.  Our goal is to continue making signification contributions to communities like Gouyave.

What does the future of gaming look like?

The future of gaming looks promising, as it has become more popular among the communities.  People are looking for other forms of entertainment in a comfortable environment like what Blast provides at its centers.  While we provide entertainment to the public, we do it responsibly.  We ensure that our policy of over 18 access is strictly adhered to.  Our tag line “know your limit play within it” is highlighted always with our Blast logo.  Technically, we have integrated this policy in our systems ensuring that our customers are reminded that they have played for a particular period of time and asked if they want to continue playing through a popup message. 

What role does technology play in your business?

Technology is important especially in the gaming business and our operation is no exception.  Through technology, we were able to create secure platforms ensuring fair game.  We are the world leader in this type of technology and, and we have integrated this into our setups.

Would you say that NLA/Blast is a good corporate citizen?

Absolutely we are.  Our parent company CBN along with the NLA jointly donated two (2) new ambulances to the government of Grenada to be used in Grenada and Carriacou.  The NLA has also supported various initiatives contributing millions of dollars in sports and culture throughout the communities in Grenada.  NLA strongly upholds its mission to contribute to national development by providing funding for sports and culture.  

Service is a buzz word these days; how do you ensure that at all your locations the quality of service is the same?

We look at service holistically, as such we aim to create an entire experience at all our centers.  We provide an atmosphere with class.  All our locations are fully air-conditioned, with the most attractive bars you can find in Grenada, we have well trained and friendly staff, and we look to making more improvements to ensure that our customers are very comfortable and satisfied when visiting all our centers always.

How do you ensure the safety of all your patrons at all times?

Safety is one of our primary concerns as it is essential in protecting our employees, customers and property; therefore, we have employed various security measures in all our centers.  We are supported by a professional security company that provides physical guarding during operating hours, together with surveillance cameras in various locations in and out of the centers.  When it comes to safety, we follow international standards ensuring that our employees and customers have the highest level of protection at our locations.

What moral and ethical standards do you operate by as a brand?

We operate within the confines of the law set in the Gaming Act.  We are also guided by our responsible gaming policy and best practices.  Through screening, we ensure that only persons over the age of 18 have access to our centers and the games, our games are also set to generate pop-up messages to remind players how long they have been playing.  Our agents are also expected to operate within these same guidelines.   

Why should Grenadians get involved in or continue supporting gaming with Blast?

Blast provides an alternative form of entertainment where individuals or groups can come to have fun or relax in a clean and safe atmosphere.  Our games are very interactive and fun with over 93% payout rate. We invite you to visit our centers and have your own excellent gaming experience.  We urge you to continue supporting NLA Blast as revenues generated go towards supporting sports culture and nation building.