Governor says failure to invite testifiers may signal an effort to delay consideration or avoid an up-or-down vote
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. on Monday urged the 36th Legislature to take decisive action on the revised horse racing agreement. He warned that continued delays could cost the Virgin Islands its best, and potentially last, opportunity to secure the private investment needed to rebuild the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack and establish a sustainable horse racing industry across the territory.
During the Government House Press Briefing, Governor Bryan said he called a special session of the Legislature for Tuesday after months of discussions, negotiations and revisions failed to result in the agreement being scheduled for a hearing and vote.
Governor Bryan expressed particular concern that, as of Monday afternoon, the Senate president had not invited administration testifiers to appear at the special session. That concern comes despite correspondence sent July 15 identifying the administration’s proposed testifiers and confirming their readiness to participate.
“I sincerely hope this is not an indication of an intention to further delay consideration of this agreement or avoid taking a vote on the measure before the Legislature,” Governor Bryan said. “Such an action would send a negative message to the private investment community that the Virgin Islands is not serious about economic development. This administration has worked hard to change that narrative.”
Governor Bryan also disclosed that Southland Gaming Virgin Islands had written to his office expressing serious concerns about the pace of the process and questioning the government’s commitment to completing the project.
“Those concerns cannot be dismissed,” Governor Bryan said. “Private investors cannot be expected to wait indefinitely while decisions essential to moving a project forward remain unresolved.”
Governor Bryan first announced during his State of the Territory Address in January that his administration intended to advance an agreement capable of restoring horse racing on St. Croix and creating a unified framework for the sport across the Virgin Islands.
The administration transmitted the proposed agreement to the Legislature in April and requested written comments from senators, the territory’s two horsemen associations and other stakeholders.
On June 12, representatives of the Government of the Virgin Islands, Southland Gaming Virgin Islands, the Virgin Islands Horse Racing Commission and the horsemen associations met at Government House on St. Croix to address the concerns that had been raised.
The process continued with further discussions involving members of the Legislature on June 25, followed by additional negotiations with the investor and other stakeholders. The agreement was then revised to address the principal issues identified during those meetings.
Governor Bryan said he sought to ensure that every party had an opportunity to be heard. He also initially attempted to avoid calling a special session, hoping Senate leadership would schedule the measure for consideration without unnecessary delay.
When that did not occur, Governor Bryan said he was compelled to act.
“We have reached the point where further delay could cost us this opportunity,” Governor Bryan said. “This may be the best and perhaps the last real chance to secure the private investment needed to restore horse racing on St. Croix and create a unified, sustainable horse racing industry across the Virgin Islands.”
Governor Bryan encouraged residents who support the return of horse racing, the reconstruction of the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack and the creation of additional economic and recreational opportunities to contact their senators and urge them to support the agreement.
“The work has been done. The concerns have been heard. The agreement has been revised,” Governor Bryan said. “Now it is time to decide, up or down. That is the job of the Legislature. All I am asking is that they take action on the measure before them.”
Among other announcements, Governor Bryan highlighted continued momentum in the territory’s tourism industry. He noted last week’s first-stone ceremony for the redevelopment of the former Carambola Beach Resort into Club Med St. Croix, the global recognition of Trunk Bay, Sandy Point and Magens Bay, the expansion of the territory’s hotel inventory, new air service from Southwest Airlines, the return of United Airlines’ nonstop service between Newark, New Jersey, and St. Croix, and an anticipated announcement Wednesday from Contour Airlines regarding expanded Caribbean service.
Governor Bryan also invited the public to participate in a virtual ceremony marking the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, July 27. The free event, organized by the Governor’s Americans with Disabilities Act Office in partnership with the Virgin Islands Disability Network Partners, will recognize achievements within the disability community and promote accessibility, inclusion and disaster preparedness.
Residents may register by calling 340-778-7992 or visiting www.vi.gov/ada. Community viewing locations will be available on St. Thomas and St. Croix. The next Government House Press Briefing will be held Tuesday, July 28, to accommodate the ceremony’s livestream.
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