Leaders also review proposed Water Island hotel development and agreement to restore horse racing on St. Croix
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr., Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach and members of the 36th Legislature met Thursday at Government House on St. Thomas to discuss financial solutions to address uncompensated care debt carried by the Territory’s hospitals and health care centers, along with legacy debt owed by the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority and the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority.
The leaders also discussed a proposed lease amendment that would advance a major hotel development on Water Island and reviewed the proposed agreement to restore horse racing on St. Croix.
The potential financial solution would provide a pathway for resolving long-standing financial obligations that continue to place pressure on the Territory’s health care system, public utilities, and overall financial position. Those obligations include the cost of care provided by hospitals and health care centers to patients who are unable to pay, as well as legacy debt accumulated by VIWMA and WAPA.
The leaders discussed the importance of confronting those obligations now to protect essential public services, strengthen the Territory’s financial position and help ensure the next administration has a smooth transition and a clearer path toward the continued delivery of critical government services.
The proposed Water Island lease amendment would support the development of a new hotel project designed to expand the Territory’s tourism product, attract private investment, create jobs and generate additional economic activity.
Governor Bryan said the meeting allowed members of the executive and legislative branches to directly assess the proposals, raise concerns and identify responsible ways to advance matters with significant implications for the Territory’s future.
“Today’s meeting was very productive, and the feedback shared by everyone at the table was constructive and insightful,” Governor Bryan said. “These are significant matters that require thoughtful discussion and collaboration. I am optimistic about the prospect of moving forward on the issues we discussed this afternoon.”
The meeting also included an extensive discussion on the proposed agreement governing the redevelopment and operation of the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix.
Governor Bryan shared with senators the feedback and recommendations received during his recent meeting with the presidents of the Territory’s horsemen associations, representatives of the Virgin Islands Horse Racing Commission and Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands.
Participants agreed that the time to restore horse racing is now and that continued collaboration is necessary to establish a sustainable framework for rebuilding the racetrack and preserving the sport for future generations.
Lieutenant Governor Roach said the administration has heard the repeated calls from residents who want to see horse racing return to both St. Thomas and St. Croix.
“We have heard the pleas of people throughout our community who understand what horse racing means to our culture, our economy and generations of Virgin Islanders,” Lieutenant Governor Roach said. “The public has waited long enough. We now have an opportunity to work together and responsibly bring this important tradition back to the island of St. Croix.”
Governor Bryan emphasized that cooperation between the executive and legislative branches will remain essential as the proposals advance through the appropriate review and approval processes.
The Bryan-Roach administration will continue working with the Legislature and other stakeholders to refine the proposals, resolve outstanding concerns and pursue solutions that strengthen the Territory’s health care system, public utilities, economy and long-term financial stability.
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