USVI Racetrack Bill Sent Back To Committee
United States Virgin Islands lawmakers have voted 10 to 4 to send Bill 36-0313 back to the Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance for further review. The legislative move pauses major redevelopment plans for territorial racetracks and delays a contentious electronic gaming agreement with Southland Gaming.
The future of horse racing infrastructure in the neighbouring United States Virgin Islands remains on hold after territorial lawmakers voted 10 to 4 to refer Bill 36-0313 back to the Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance for further examination. The legislative measure directly governs the construction, operation, and franchise agreements for the territory's racetracks on St.
Croix, alongside contentious provisions granting Southland Gaming exclusivity over certain electronic gaming operations. The referral leaves plans for the redevelopment of the St. Croix racetrack paused indefinitely, a matter closely followed by regional stakeholders, including the British Virgin Islands equine community, which shares long-standing cultural and sporting ties with USVI tracks.
The decision followed a lengthy hearing before the Committee of the Whole on Monday, with a final decision initially expected during Wednesday's legislative session. Vialet moved to reassign the bill to committee instead. Potter joined Vialet in voting in favour of the referral. Voting against the motion were Senators Dwayne M.
Joseph, Alma Francis Heyliger, and Ray Fonseca, while Senator Angel L. Bolques expressed disappointment that a resolution was not reached on the floor, noting that several amendments had been prepared for debate. Defending the referral, Senator Vialet stressed that the move should not be seen as an effort to kill the measure, but rather as an opportunity to negotiate better terms for the public.
Lawmakers pointed to multiple unresolved issues, including the disparity between a proposed five-year franchise term and a 20-year exclusivity clause for electronic gaming, which Vialet warned would tie the hands of future legislatures. Lawmakers also cited a lack of comprehensive financial analysis, requested clear performance standards, and questioned the proposed 75/25 revenue split favouring Southland Gaming.
Vialet also insisted that the live racing agreement negotiated between Southland Gaming and local horsemen be formally incorporated into the franchise agreement for legislative ratification. Opponents voiced strong frustration over the referral. Senator DeGraff argued that lawmakers had already had ample time to deliberate, while Senator Heyliger described the referral and the lack of an immediate follow-up date as a stall tactic ahead of elections.
In response to questions raised by Senator James during the debate, legislative counsel confirmed that the Legislature cannot unilaterally modify agreements previously negotiated between the executive branch and a private party. Senate President Potter stated that a committee hearing date will be announced at a later time, leaving the comprehensive redevelopment plan stalled until further notice.
Primary source: VINO