Senators Question Why Government Is Paying Phipps Race Day Costs Despite Southland Role, as DSPR Seeks $10.2M Budget

With senators questioning why DSPR is covering race day costs at Phipps when Southland Gaming is the promoter, officials also reported on delays at Paul E. Joseph Stadium and called for $1 million to overhaul lighting at Emile Griffith Ball Park.

Despite not being responsible for hosting races at the Clinton E. Phipps Race Track and not collecting any proceeds from the races, the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation has been footing the bill for expenses at the track.

That observation was made by Senator Kurt Vialet when DSPR appeared before the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance to present and justify its FY2026 budget request on Tuesday.

Currently, Southland Gaming is the promoter of races at the track, which reopened in time for the 2024 St. Thomas Carnival season. According to DSPR Acting Commissioner Vincent Roberts, of the races held at the track to date, the department has only been responsible for “the one in December.” He could not, however, tell Mr. Vialet if all receipts from that race day were collected.

“I think former commissioner White was responsible for collecting. Have any moneys been deposited in any account for Sports, Park and Recreation?” Vialet asked. The response from Carol Peters, director of business and finance, was “no, not to my knowledge.”