Governor requests written comments by June 5 and schedules June 12 meeting with lawmakers, horsemen and Southland Gaming to seek a fair path forward
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has called for a stakeholder meeting with members of the 36th Legislature, the presidents of the territory’s horsemen associations and representatives of Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands to address concerns raised about the proposed agreement to restore horse racing in the Virgin Islands.
In a letter to Senate President Milton E. Potter, members of the 36th Legislature, Flamboyant Park Horsemen Association President Elroy Bates, St. Thomas-St. John Horsemen Association President Clinton Hedrington and Southland Gaming principal Robert E. Huckabee III, Governor Bryan requested that stakeholders submit written concerns, objections, proposed amendments and alternative recommendations no later than Friday, June 5, 2026.
The governor has invited stakeholders to meet at Government House on St. Croix on June 12, 2026, for a focused discussion on the proposed agreement, including possible modifications that preserve its central goal of returning horse racing to the Virgin Islands in a responsible and sustainable way.
“We heard the concerns. We are prepared to listen, make reasonable modifications, protect existing jobs, protect government revenues and still deliver a rebuilt Randall ‘Doc’ James Racetrack,” Governor Bryan said. “But the process cannot remain open-ended forever.”
The proposed agreement is intended to rebuild the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix, support continued racing activity across the territory, establish a single promoter for the industry and create a long-term framework backed by private investment and enforceable obligations.
Governor Bryan said the administration recognizes the concerns raised by senators, horsemen, gaming stakeholders and the public.
“Our goal is not to force through a deal without review,” Governor Bryan said. “Our goal is to restore horse racing on St. Croix in a way that protects jobs, protects the public interest and provides certainty to the horsemen and the people of the Virgin Islands.”
The June 12 meeting will provide a structured opportunity for stakeholders to discuss potential amendments, economic impact, protections for horsemen, racing obligations, tax treatment, gaming-related provisions, employment issues and regulatory oversight that could still allow horse racing to return in a timely and sustainable manner.
Stakeholders submitting written comments are asked to identify the specific provision or issue of concern, explain the concern, propose any amendment or modification, state whether the concern can be resolved within the current agreement and offer any alternative proposal that would still accomplish the return of horse racing in the Virgin Islands.
Governor Bryan said his objective is to reach a fair, responsible and workable agreement that protects the public interest, respects the role of the Legislature, addresses legitimate concerns and provides a realistic path for the return of horse racing.
“The territory cannot afford indefinite delay, and we cannot ignore legitimate concerns,” Governor Bryan said. “We must use this moment to determine whether the agreement can be improved in a way that preserves its core purpose, restores horse racing and creates a stronger foundation for the industry going forward.”
The governor urged all stakeholders to participate in good faith, submit written concerns by the June 5 deadline and come prepared on June 12 to discuss practical solutions.
“Horse racing is part of who we are, but it will not return on memories alone,” Governor Bryan said. “It will take discipline, compromise and a shared commitment to move this industry from dispute back to racing. That is what this meeting is meant to accomplish.”
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