CRIT Chairman calls for unity against coronavirus, says casino will not reopen May 1st

Chairman of the Colorado River Indian Tribes, Dennis Patch, called for unity against the coronavirus Wednesday, saying that CRIT’s order comes in “parallel” with the state of Arizona order, and that entities are more effective when they work together.

In addition, BlueWater Resort & Casino will not reopen on May 1st, contrary to reports, according to Patch.

Patch’s comments come after public statements by the Town of Parker and the CRIT Attorney General taking issue over which stay-at-home orders apply within Town limits, and to whom.

“Doing the right thing is never easy,” Patch said, “and that is especially true as we all work together to halt the spread of coronavirus.”

He described CRIT’s April 1st resolution closing the reservation to recreational activities and closing essential services as being “in an abundance of caution for the health and safety of Tribal members and to assist the worldwide effort to slow the growth of this pandemic.”

Patch said the efforts are working.

“These decisions didn’t come easily but they were made because the only way to defeat the coronavirus is to stand united against it. Our protocols parallel those implemented by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. When looking at restrictions on this scale, it is important to realize that we are only as strong as our weakest link. When protocols are insufficient and enforcement is weak, everyone suffers.”

Media reports last week quoted BlueWater’s website, saying that the casino had implemented a new cleaning regimen and would reopen to the public on May 1st.

But the CRIT Tribal Council said this week that it is not the time for reopening.

“The Bluewater Resort & Casino will not reopen on May 1,” says a statement from CRIT. “No reopening will take place without a CRIT Tribal Council action, and that action has not been taken. As we all continue to work together, our number one concern during this time continues to be maintaining the health of our community. Thank you.”

Patch thanked all who worked with the Tribal Council to ensure safety.

“We are more effective when we fight this pandemic together, that includes Tribal, town, state, and federal leaders. We may all be social distancing. But we are all standing together.”