Turnbull and Watson nominated to Virgin Islands Horse Racing Commission

Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp nominated Sheldon A. Turnbull and Jay T. Watson to the Virgin Islands Horse Racing Commission, Government House said on June 21, 2018.

If confirmed by the Legislature, Turnbull would serve a three-year term representing the St. Thomas-St. John district and Watson would serve a two-year term representing the St. Croix district.

Government House said the unified commission was created to oversee the territory's horse-racing industry. It said demolition of older structures at the racetracks was underway ahead of construction work.

Jason Williams, VIGL's general manager for horse racing operations, said the company was preparing to present its plans to the Coastal Zone Management Commission and that hearings were scheduled for the week of June 25, 2018, on St. Thomas and St. Croix. He said an interim lease agreement had been signed earlier in 2018, but the start of racing had been delayed by logistical issues, including the removal of damaged viewing stands.

Government House said Henry E. Schjang, Ian Samuel, Ronald A. Phillips and Dr. Laura Palminteri had previously been nominated to serve on the commission.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/sheldon-turnbull-and-jay-watson-nominated-to-v-i-horse-racing-commission/