Horse Racing Absence Cost BVI Over $20M
National Democratic Party candidate Aaron Parillon claims the prolonged suspension of horse racing has cost the British Virgin Islands more than $20 million in lost revenue. He highlighted the widespread financial impact on local vendors, transportation operators, and small businesses in the Third District. Parillon called on the government to resolve longstanding land disputes to restore the sport as a premier regional attraction.
National Democratic Party candidate Aaron Parillon has estimated that the prolonged absence of horse racing in the Virgin Islands has resulted in more than $20 million in lost economic revenue for the territory. Parillon, who is contesting the Third District seat, explained during an interview with host Tyler Levons that the sport historically generated vital economic activity across multiple sectors.
Although he did not provide a formal calculation or study to support the figure, he emphasized that the financial ripple effects of races at Ellis Thomas Downs extended far beyond the track itself. According to Parillon, race days previously delivered substantial revenue to ferry operators, port authorities, taxi drivers, beauty salons, barbershops, supermarkets, liquor distributors, boutiques, and businesses tied to the marine and fishing industries.
He noted that a considerable portion of that spending circulated directly within Sea Cows Bay and the wider Third District, allowing local entrepreneurs to sustain and expand their operations. Live horse racing at Ellis Thomas Downs has remained halted since September 2022, when the government prohibited the use of privately owned parcels across the facility amid unresolved land negotiations.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley previously confirmed that the government had not reached an agreement with at least one property owner and acknowledged that racing could not resume without an adequate venue, despite exploratory efforts to find alternative sites. Parillon stated that reviving the sport cannot depend on any single representative, insisting that direct, meaningful dialogue between the government and landowners must be the starting point.
He advocated for re-establishing horse racing as a professionally managed cornerstone of the territory's sports tourism industry. His vision includes implementing sustainable revenue streams, re-establishing traditional racing ties with St Thomas and St Croix, and inviting regional competitors from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
Parillon pledged to work continuously to return the sport to the territory and restore vital economic energy to District Three.
Primary source: BVI News