Bryan Meets Horsemen on Racetrack Deal
Governor Albert Bryan met with horsemen’s representatives and other stakeholders at Government House on St. Croix to negotiate a proposed agreement allowing Southland Gaming to rebuild and operate the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack while maintaining racing at Clinton E. Phipps. The administration is seeking to refine the proposal after written objections and a legislative recommendation to separate racetrack redevelopment from gaming provisions.
Governor Albert Bryan convened a meeting at Government House on St. Croix with presidents of the territory’s horsemen associations, members of the Horse Racing Commission, Southland Gaming representatives and other stakeholders as part of ongoing negotiations over a proposed agreement to rebuild and operate the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack.
The agreement, which Governor Bryan publicly announced on April 28, 2026 and transmitted to the 36th Legislature that same day, would allow Southland Gaming of the Virgin Islands to rebuild and operate the Southland racetrack while continuing to promote and operate horse racing at the Clinton E.
Following the announcement, horsemen’s groups and some legislators raised concerns about specific provisions of the proposed deal. Government House said written responses were received from Flamboyant Park Horsemen Association President Elroy Bates and St. John Horsemen Association President Clinton Hedrington.
No members of the 36th Legislature submitted comments by the June 5 deadline set by the administration; Senator Angel Bolques Jr. did, however, send a June 10 letter recommending the legislation be bifurcated. In his letter, Senator Bolques made clear that his recommendation should not be read as opposition to revitalising horse racing, restoring infrastructure, attracting private investment or stimulating economic activity — outcomes he said would benefit St.
Rather, Bolques argued that tying racetrack redevelopment to broader gaming-related matters risks jeopardising the entire package and recommended separating the redevelopment and racing provisions from the more controversial gaming components so each may be reviewed on its merits.
According to Government House, the meeting focused on concerns raised in the written responses, potential revisions to protect horsemen’s interests, strengthen regulatory oversight and clarify responsibilities for rebuilding and operating the territory’s racetracks. Governor Bryan said the administration’s goal is not only approval of a deal but the establishment of a long-term foundation for an industry that has experienced years of legal disputes and uncertainty. "We all share the same fundamental goal, which is to see horse racing restored on St.
Croix and strengthened throughout the Virgin Islands," Governor Bryan said, urging compromise, accountability and continued engagement. He called the talks an important step toward refining the agreement before legislative consideration. For residents of the British Virgin Islands, developments in the neighbouring USVI matter because restored racetrack operations could influence regional tourism, employment opportunities and private investment flows across the territory.
Officials say they will continue consultations with horsemen’s organisations, community leaders and the public before final legislative action.
Primary source: VINO