Governor Bryan Authorizes Legal Action Against VIGL Operations LLC for Failure to Rebuild Randall “Doc” James Racetrack and Resume Horse Racing Operation

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – During his 2025 State of the Territory Address, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced that he has authorized the Virgin Islands Department of Justice to file suit against VIGL Operations LLC in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands. The lawsuit seeks damages and termination of VIGL’s contracts with the Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI) for failing to meet its obligations to reconstruct the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix and resume horse racing operations.

“As for VIGL and the Randall ‘Doc’ James Racetrack on St. Croix, it should be evident to all that VIGL does not have the wherewithal nor the resources to rebuild the track,” said Governor Bryan. “Today, I authorized the Department of Justice to file a suit against VIGL in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands for an action for damages. I am prepared to have the Government move to rebuild the Randall ‘Doc’ James Racetrack and restore horse racing to the island of St. Croix.”

Despite repeated extensions and concessions, including the issuance of a Casino Control Commission license in April 2024, VIGL has failed to make meaningful progress on the racetrack. While the company claims to have spent $11 million on the project to date, with $2 million going toward architecture and engineering in the past two years, there is no visible progress at the site. VIGL has missed key contractual obligations, including failing to post an $8 million performance bond and repeatedly delaying construction milestones, most recently missing the May 2024 groundbreaking deadline.

“After eight years of delays and missed commitments, the people of St. Croix have nothing to show for it,” Governor Bryan said. “This is unacceptable. My administration will not stand idly by while promises are broken, contracts are breached, and the community is left without the benefits it was promised.”

In May 2024, VIGL was issued a formal notice to cure its contractual defaults, including the failure to meet construction deadlines, but the company has made no substantive progress. Frustration within the community continues to grow, with many stakeholders, including residents and lawmakers, demanding accountability for VIGL’s lack of action.

“What we’re witnessing is a betrayal of trust,” Governor Bryan continued. “The Government of the Virgin Islands is fully prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure the Randall ‘Doc’ James Racetrack is rebuilt and that horse racing returns to St. Croix. If VIGL cannot fulfill its obligations, we will move forward with a solution that puts the people of this territory first.”

This announcement underscores the Bryan Administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and the development of infrastructure that benefits all Virgin Islanders. The Government of the Virgin Islands will not tolerate inaction or unfulfilled promises, particularly when such commitments are vital to economic revitalization and cultural preservation on St. Croix.

###