ST. THOMAS — Governor Kenneth Mapp has submitted to the 32nd Legislature his proposal to amend the Virgin Islands Horse Racing Industry Assistance Act of 2010, Government House made known Thursday. In his letter of transmittal to Senate President Myron Jackson, the governor says that the 31st Legislature “made certain fatal amendments” to the Act by striking key provisions in three areas.
According to the release, while senators voted to retain two district horse racing commissions, Mr. Mapp again proposes a single regulatory body with nine members appointed by the governor. He says that having two regulatory agencies would be tantamount to having two public services commissions regulating the singular Water & Power Authority. The governor’s proposal also includes an increase in the stipend for each commission member to $500 for each race day.
Mr. Mapp also wants the Legislature to restore to the Act the provision requiring compliance with federal and local anti-doping rules. He warns that failure to conduct horse races in the Virgin Islands safely and with integrity would be a fatal blow and would prevent the government and the franchise holder, VIGL, Inc., from moving forward to implement the franchis agreement and begin construction of new racing facilities.
The third area of concern, according to the release, is the formula for distribution of the casino fees, which were increased by 30 percent by the 31st Legislature above the governor’s original proposal. The territory’s leader provided a detailed listing of his preference in his transmittal letter.
Tags: governor, horse racing, kenneth mapp, us virgin islands
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