RAYMOND T. JAMES, ESQ. Candidate for the Legislature of the Virgin Islands | District of St. Croix

Raymond T. James, Esq.

Candidate for the Legislature of the Virgin Islands | District of St. Croix 1101 Strand Street, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820 

New Leadership Is Needed. 

October 20, 2026 

Mr. Willard S. John 

Chairman, Board of Governors 

Virgin Islands Port Authority 

RE: Coordinated Cleanup and Fencing Assessment Randall "Doc" James Racetrack 

Dear Chairman John and Members of the Board: 

I respectfully request that the Virgin Islands Port Authority help convene an immediate, coordinated effort to clean up the Randall "Doc" James Racetrack on St. Croix. With the tourist season upon us and new airline routes creating opportunities to welcome visitors, we should demonstrate pride in the appearance of Beautiful St. Croix. 

The racetrack is part of our sporting and cultural heritage, named for a distinguished physician, civic leader, and sportsman. We cannot promote Beautiful St. Croix to the world while allowing facilities that represent our history, culture, and sporting heritage to remain neglected. 

I recognize that the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation has primary responsibility for the facility. My request is not that VIPA assume ownership, operating responsibility, or financial obligations, but that it help bring the responsible agencies together to achieve results. 

I ask that VIPA designate a representative and convene a coordination meeting within seven days with Sports, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, and other appropriate partners. The meeting should identify a lead agency, establish a written action plan, and target completion of the general cleanup within 30 days. Work should include clearing overgrowth, removing debris, and improving the appearance of the grounds and surrounding areas. 

The action plan should also provide for an immediate inspection of the perimeter fencing, identify damaged or missing sections and urgent safety concerns, and establish a practical plan to repair or replace fencing where needed. Urgent hazards should be addressed promptly where feasible; larger replacement work should have an identified cost, funding source, procurement approach, and completion schedule. 

I also respectfully request the cooperation of the Legislature's committee responsible for sports and parks in supporting appropriate oversight. Please provide a written response identifying the coordinating agency and anticipated dates for the cleanup and fencing work. 

Sometimes leadership means bringing people together to get things done, even when responsibility rests elsewhere. Let us preserve the beauty, dignity, and pride of Beautiful St. Croix. 

Respectfully, 

Raymond T. James, Esq. 

Candidate for the Legislature District of St. Croix 

cc: Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Chair, Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks; Commissioner Vincent Roberts, Sports, Parks and Recreation; Executive Director Ava Penn, VIPA; Commissioner, Department of Public Works. 

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Raymond T. James, Esq. for Senate.