On February 21, horseracing fans have the opportunity to testify on the licensing of VIGL Operations to run a racino at the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack. Additionally, they can provide input on the operations of VIGL’s casino at Caravelle Hotel in Christiansted, expressing their views on whether the license for that establishment should be renewed for another four years.
The Casino Control Commission, which is conducting the meeting and hearing, has required all testifiers to submit their written testimony to the Commission by Wednesday.
In hearings in 2018 and 2019, concerns were raised that VIGL did not meet the requirement of adding a sufficient number of hotel rooms to earn a casino license for the Caravelle site.
As for the racino at the racetrack, it has had a long history of stumbling blocks. Last summer, there were protests that the seating capacity had been downsized from the original plans. VIGL later said it addressed those concerns.
Revised Racetrack Proposals Criticized | St. Croix Source (stcroixsource.com)
In a press release last month, VIGL stated all “long-awaited” permits had been obtained and renovations were moving forward.
The press release also talked about the upcoming hearing. “This license is an integral and key component of generating revenue to enhance overall operations and facilities management.”
The Special Meeting and Hearing will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Fritz E. Lawaetz Conference Room, Legislature of the Virgin Islands, located at 3002 Estate Golden Rock, Christiansted.
Each testifier will have ten minutes to testify. If any testimony is anticipated to take longer than the set time limit, the Commission will enter the written testimony into the record of the proceedings.
Written testimony should be submitted to Romesha Smith in person or by mail to:
V.I. Casino Control Commission
Eileen Ramona Petersen Casino Control Commission Building
3005 Orange Grove, Christiansted, VI 00820
or by email to rsmith@casinocontrolcommission.vi
