Mapp Heaps Praise On Senators For Passing Horse Racing Bill

ST. THOMAS — Governor Kenneth Mapp today thanked Senators of the 31st Legislature for what a Government House press release described as the senators’ dedication and perseverance in working into the early morning hours to pass Bills 31-0484 and 31-0485, both measures aimed at revitalizing the horse racing industry in the territory, through a 20-year lease agreement signed between the Government of the Virgin Islands and VIGL Operations, LLC.

The joint approval of these bills will move the sport of horse racing and sports tourism to a new level in the territory, Government House says. “I want to also thank and congratulate our partners VIGL Operations, LLC for joining the Mapp/Potter administration in this new era,” Mr. Mapp said today.

“The senators of the 31st Legislature collectively embraced a unique opportunity to open the way to preserve and improve a significant aspect of our cultural heritage, horse racing. Lance Griffith of VIGL in his testimony yesterday shared his personal feelings about those involved in the sport and we feel that we have identified a strong corporate partner for the advancement of racing on St. Thomas and St. Croix. We are excited to begin,” he added. “Developing the sport with proper oversight and regulations, while creating employment opportunities for Virgin Islanders remains our focus.”

The governor continued: “I would like to also recognize the incredible professional jockeys who returned home to share their personal stories of what the sport of horse racing has done for them and their families. The testimonies and stories of their professional experiences are a source of true pride that demonstrate that Virgin Islanders are competing and succeeding on national and international levels. We can now look forward to having our jockeys compete locally and gain the necessary experience to produce the next generation of riders on the national stage.”