Bryan met with senators on Nov. 12 to discuss restarting horse racing in the Virgin Islands

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. met with senators on Nov. 12, 2020, to discuss restarting the Virgin Islands horse racing industry, which had been idle after reconstruction work was halted by a lawsuit between VIGL and Southland Gaming.

According to Government House, Bryan met with Senate President Novelle Francis Jr., incoming Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory, Youth, Sports, Parks and Recreation Committee Chairman Javan James, and Finance Committee Chairman Kurt Vialet.

The meeting focused on mediation between VIGL and Southland Gaming over the use of video lottery terminals at the racetracks. The Virgin Islands government was a party to the dispute because of its agreement with VIGL to rebuild and operate the racing facilities.

Government House said VIGL and Southland Gaming had reached a preliminary settlement and that the government was reviewing the terms. Bryan outlined what legislation would be needed to move the settlement forward and sought senators' input on provisions to include or exclude.

Government House said VIGL had invested $17 million to rebuild, operate and manage the Randall "Doc" James Race Track on St. Croix and the Clinton E. Phipps Race Track on St. Thomas.

The Virgin Islands Horse Racing Commission was also finalizing racing rules and regulations for the territory, according to the administration.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-meets-with-senators-to-discuss-restarting-horse-racing-in-the-territory/