Senators Air Concerns About Race Tracks as DSPR Presents Updates

During last week’s meeting of the Senate Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports and Parks, lawmakers received updates on various sporting related projects from Calvert White, commissioner for the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation.

Committee Chair, Senator Angel Bolques Jr. inquired about the status of St. Croix’s Randall “Doc” James Horsetrack. “I’ve been actually getting some phone calls regarding the racetrack on St. Croix. My sources have told me that they have not seen any permits for the company that is responsible for building out the track,” he told Mr. White.

“VIGL have submitted their modification application, as a matter of fact that application was submitted earlier this month,” The DSPR commissioner responded. Mr. White explained that the application is currently under review at the Division of Coastal Zone Management at the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.

While making it clear that he was not seeking to cast blame on DSPR, Mr. Bolques complained that the slow pace of progress “is leaving the people of the Virgin Islands, horse owners and trainers in a state of limbo that is concerning for the status of horseracing.” Mr. Bolques expressed that horseracing has long been a cultural staple in the territory and that reviving the tradition remains dependent on the company tasked with the redevelopment of the track. Mr. White subsequently noted for the record that the company contracted to do the work has mobilized to the site, confirming that “their equipment is already at the location right now. In speaking to them they are just waiting for the permits. As they receive the permits they are ready to begin work.”