Bryan Not Happy with Horse Racing Decision, Senators Speak Out

M.A. Dworkin

USVI - Governor Albert Bryan Jr. expressed disappointment with the 36th Legislature’s decision to once again delay action on the revised horse racing agreement he presented to Senators, calling it a failure of leadership that wasted public and private resources and denied Virgin Islanders the up or down vote that would have put the matter of horse racing in the USVI in forward motion or back to square one.

“Today was the day to hear the agreement, debate its merits and make a decision,” Governor Bryan said. “Instead, after months of work by the government, the investor, the horsemen and other stakeholders, the Legislature chose another delay.”

The revised agreement has not received a substantive hearing or vote despite months of meetings, negotiations, written comments and revisions that have involved the Government of the Virgin Islands, Southland Gaming Virgin Islands, the Territory’s horsemen associations, the Virgin Islands Horse Racing Commission and members of the Legislature. 

Governor Bryan said Senate President Milton Potter’s decision not to invite administration or stakeholder testifiers prevented the Legislature from fully examining the agreement during the Tuesday July 21, 2026, special session which the Governor called for on July 11, 2026. 

“Senators had the opportunity to recess, convene as the Committee of the Whole, receive testimony and require every member to publicly vote yes or no,” Governor Bryan said. “That did not happen. The people were once again denied a decision.”

The proposed agreement is intended to support the rebuilding of the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix, install a permanent promoter (Southland Gaming) to operate both the St Croix racetrack and the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas, establishing a unified framework for horse racing throughout the Territory.

Governor Bryan called the special session of the Legislature only after repeated requests for the Senate to schedule the measure for consideration did not result in a hearing or vote. 

Governor Bryan said he is particularly disappointed in Senate President Potter’s leadership and heartbroken for the horsemen, stakeholders and residents who have waited for years for the return of horse racing to St. Croix and a stable future for the sport across the Virgin Islands.

“The horsemen deserved a hearing. The investor deserved an answer. The Administration deserved a decision after committing substantial public resources to this process,” the Governor said. “Most importantly, the people of the Virgin Islands deserved action from the Legislature elected to represent them.”

Ironically, the delay of the proposition may have little to do with horse racing as it does to the future of gambling in the Territory. The opposition, led by Senator Kenneth Gittens of St. Croix, amounts to a problem with the terms of the agreement.

“While I remain supportive of bringing horse racing back to St. Croix, I am not prepared to approve an agreement that could obligate the Virgin Islands for many years without ensuring that the appropriate regulatory structure is in place,” 

Senator Gittens has been a long-term advocate of bringing the Sport of Kings back to St. Croix and the USVI. 

“The introduction of VLT (Video Lottery Terminals) gaming (introduced into the agreement) is a major policy decision that deserves deliberate review and should be accompanied by comprehensive oversight and accountability,” said Senator Gittens. “This will have a significant impact on the people and economy of St. Croix, particularly our existing casinos.” 

Senator Gittens noted that the proposed agreement extends well beyond the revival of horse racing in the Territory. According to the legislation submitted by the Governor, the agreement also includes provisions authorizing the introduction and operation of Video Lottery Terminals (gambling machines similar to slot machines which Southland operates exclusively on St. Thomas) on St. Croix, creating significant public policy, regulatory, and financial consideration that warrant careful examination. 

Senator Gittens went on to explain: “The Office of Senate Majority Leader Kurt Vialet, Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr., Senator Clifford A. Joseph and my office have devoted considerable time and effort to developing comprehensive gaming legislation that reflects best practices in regulation and accountability,” Senator Gittens stated. “Our proposal would create a Virgin Islands Gaming Control Commission responsible for regulating all games of chance, including casino gaming, horse race wagering, and the Virgin Islands Lottery. Establishing one regulatory body will promote consistency, strengthen oversight, improve transparency, reduce costs, and better protect the interests of the people of the Virgin Islands.”

Senator Gittens stressed that he will approach the Governor’s proposal with an open mind but will not sacrifice due diligence simply to expedite its approval.

“The Legislature’s responsibility extends beyond approving agreements, and therefore, we must ensure that any action we take serves the long-term interests of our residents,” Senator Gittens said. “I look forward to reviewing the Governor’s proposal, asking the necessary questions, and ensuring that any agreement approved by the Legislature is supported by a strong, modern regulatory structure that protects the integrity of gaming in the Virgin Islands.”