U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — During a briefing Monday at Government House on St. Thomas, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. highlighted significant progress across multiple priority areas of his administration, including progress with the restoration of horse racing on St. Croix, strengthening the Territory’s financial position, advancing major construction projects, and expanding air service connections that support economic growth throughout the Virgin Islands.
At the center of the administration’s efforts is a revised horse-racing agreement recently transmitted to the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The updated proposal reflects months of discussions, negotiations, and collaboration with horsemen, lawmakers, the Virgin Islands Horse Racing Commission, and other stakeholders.
“This is a new and improved agreement,” Governor Bryan said. “We listened to concerns, incorporated stakeholder input, strengthened protections for the Government and the people of the Virgin Islands, and produced an agreement that provides a responsible path forward for restoring horse racing and rebuilding the Randall ‘Doc’ James Racetrack.”
The revised agreement secures a minimum five-year commitment from the promoter, reduces exemptions on gross receipts taxes related to entertainment activities at the track, and enhances transparency and reporting requirements. It also includes strong safeguards, including performance bonds to ensure construction obligations are met and provisions allowing the Government to recover benefits if contractual requirements are not fulfilled.
Governor Bryan emphasized that while no agreement of this size and complexity can satisfy every concern, continued delays would only postpone the return of horse racing and the economic opportunities it brings to St. Croix.
“The people of the Virgin Islands have made it clear that they want horse racing restored,” Governor Bryan said. “They want to see opportunities for horsemen, trainers, jockeys, vendors, and young people. Even after approval, construction of a new racetrack could take as long as three years. That is why the time to move forward is now.”
The Governor expressed appreciation for Senate President Milton Potter’s efforts to advance discussions on the measure and his indication that the proposal could be considered during the Legislature’s July 15 session.
Governor Bryan also pointed to ongoing progress at the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project, noting that while construction has faced challenges and delays, work continues and visible milestones—including installation of stadium lighting—demonstrate that persistence produces results.
“Walking away does not finish a stadium. Abandoning a project does not bring horse racing back,” Governor Bryan said. “Progress requires persistence.”
The administration is also making substantial strides in strengthening the Territory’s financial position. Governor Bryan announced that the central Government has successfully completed the Fiscal Year 2024 Single Audit process, marking another important milestone in bringing the Virgin Islands’ financial reporting fully up to date.
To further address long-term financial challenges, Governor Bryan announced the formation of an eight-member Financial Solutions Task Force led by Office of Management and Budget Director Julio Rhymer and Senator Novelle Francis Jr. The task force includes Finance Commissioner Kevin McCurdy, Public Finance Authority Executive Director Nathan Simmonds, Division of Personnel Director Cindy Richardson, and Senators Kurt Vialet, Marvin Blyden, and Avery Lewis.
The task force will examine financing options and sustainable solutions to address long-term obligations facing the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, and the Territory’s hospitals and health care centers.
“These entities provide essential services to our residents, but their financial challenges place significant pressure on taxpayers and the central Government,” Governor Bryan said. “Our goal is to reduce long-term debt, protect critical services, improve accountability, and create sustainable financial structures that will serve the Territory for years to come.”
The Governor also highlighted major construction projects moving forward throughout the Territory, reflecting years of planning and investment that are now becoming visible realities.
On St. Croix, progress continues on the Grove Place Fire Station, the Donna M. Christensen Medical Complex, Head Start facilities, the Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School, Central High School, the Estate Profit Community Center, and Frederiksted road improvements.
On St. Thomas, work is advancing at Emancipation Garden, the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School, and the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute. On St. John, paving and infrastructure improvements continue across the island.
“These projects represent new schools, improved health care facilities, upgraded public-safety infrastructure, better roads, and stronger community spaces,” Governor Bryan said. “The work is complex and often requires overcoming federal requirements, environmental reviews, labor shortages, and other challenges, but we remain committed to seeing these projects through.”
The administration is also focused on increasing air arrivals and strengthening transportation connections to support tourism and economic growth. Recent developments include expanded service from United Airlines, ongoing efforts by the Department of Tourism to secure replacement routes following the loss of Spirit Airlines service, and upcoming announcements regarding Contour Airlines’ planned Caribbean expansion.
“Connecting the Virgin Islands to the mainland and the wider Caribbean remains essential to tourism, commerce, and opportunity,” Governor Bryan said. “Expanded air service creates more opportunities for visitors, businesses, and residents alike.”
Governor Bryan said the combined progress in economic development, financial management, infrastructure investment, transportation, and tourism demonstrates that the Virgin Islands remains firmly positioned for continued growth.
“We are in a growth era,” Governor Bryan said. “This administration has worked diligently to strengthen our economy, modernize our infrastructure, improve our financial standing, and create opportunities for our people. We have accomplished a great deal, but let me be clear: my administration is not done. We will continue building a stronger, more resilient Virgin Islands for generations to come.”
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