STX Senate Candidate Raymond T. James Esq.: St. Croix Horse Racing Must Move Forward Now!

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August 23, 2026

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands  - Raymond T. James, Esq., candidate for the Senate in the District of St. Croix, and the only Republican candidate, is calling for immediate action to restore horse racing on St. Croix while establishing a clear and permanent regulatory structure for the future of the industry.

Mr. James, who has served as a horse racing administrator, racing agent, Chairman of the Virgin Islands Racing Commission, and General Counsel to the Division of Parks and Recreation, said his position is based on years of direct experience with horse racing and the laws governing the industry.

A Two-Prong Way Forward

Mr. James proposes a Two-Prong Way Forward that would allow horse racing to resume on St. Croix while the government addresses the larger regulatory and contractual issues affecting the industry.

“First, get St. Croix racing going again,”  Mr. James emphasized. “The Government of the Virgin Islands has already advanced a portion of the approximately $5 million allocated for improvements to the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack for the purchase of sand. I have personally verified that the sand is on the racetrack. The sand should be properly placed on the track, the facility should be prepared, and the government should allow horse racing to proceed on a temporary basis while the proper regulations and permanent structures are put in place.” 

“We should not hold St. Croix hostage,” Mr. James said. “The race horses, owners, trainers, grooms, fans, vendors, and the entire racing community have waited long enough!”

“Second, we need to establish a clear regulatory structure and a fair, competitive bidding process for the future of Virgin Islands horse racing. The government must clearly separate the regulation of horse racing from the regulation of gaming associated with racing. The Racing Commission should regulate horse racing and the rules governing the sport, while the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission should exercise the responsibilities assigned to it for gaming.”

Regarding, Bill No. 36-0336, sponsored by Senator Kenneth L. Gittens and co-sponsored by Senators Kurt A. Vialet and Clifford A. Joseph Sr., Mr. James stated the Legislature has an opportunity to establish a clear division of responsibility and eliminate uncertainty over which governmental entity regulates each part of the industry. 

COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROTECTS   

THE PUBLIC INTEREST

Mr. James emphasized that the long-term operation of horse racing in the Territory should be determined through an open, transparent, and competitive bidding process that protects the interests of the people of the Virgin islands.

“The bidding process is important because these are public assets and public resources,” Mr. James said. “The Government should establish the objectives, qualifications, financial requirements, and responsibilities expected of an operator and then allow qualified companies to compete. Competition gives the Virgin Islands the opportunity to obtain the best proposal, the strongest financial commitment, and the greatest overall benefit for our people.”

Mr. James said a competitive process also provides transparency and accountability. Rather than structuring the future of horse racing around one particular company, the government should establish the rules and requirements and allow interested, qualified companies to demonstrate what they are prepared to invest and deliver for the Territory. 

“Let companies compete, “ Mr. James stated. “The Virgin Islands should not fear competition. We should welcome it. A fair bidding process allows us to compare proposals and determine which one provides the greatest value to the people of the Virgin Islands and the strongest future for horse racing.”

Mr. James further explained that the process should consider not only the financial offer but also an applicant’s ability to invest in the racetrack, maintain the facility, conduct racing safely and consistently, support horse owners and the racing community, create employment and economic activity, and meet all regulatory and contractual obligations.

Mr. James also called on the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation to use the remaining funds from the approximately 

$5 million allocation to improve the current physical condition and appearance of the racetrack. The government should cut grass along the fence line, install with pride new fencing where necessary, clean the circumference of the property, and restore the facility to a condition worthy of the people of St. Croix.

“The Randall “Doc” James Racetrack carries the name of one of St. Croix’s most brilliant leaders,” Mr James stated. “He was a sportsman, doctor, legislator, and community leader. We should maintain the facility in a manner that honors his contributions to St. Croix and the Virgin Islands. It is one of the first government facilities arriving guests see as they enter our beloved St. Croix.”

“If I am elected to the Legislature, I will work with fellow Senators to safeguard horse racing in the Virgin Islands,” Mr. James said. “We have an opportunity to preserve an important part of our culture, create economic activity, protect the people who depend upon this industry, and build a racing system that can endure for generations.”

Raymond T. James, Esq.

Candidate for the Senate

District of St. Croix

The Only Republican Candidate