Bryan Says Legislature Effectively Killed Southland Deal; Sept. 6 Race Day Now in Doubt

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. declared Wednesday that the Legislature has “effectively killed” the proposed Southland Gaming horse-racing agreement by sending Bill 36-0313 to the Budget Committee rather than taking a final vote, and said Southland now lacks the license needed to promote the planned September 6 race day.  “I am deeply disappointed by the Legislature’s action today, but there should be no confusion about what happened. The Legislature, led by Senate Majority Leader Kurt Vialet, has spoken,” Mr. Bryan said in a statement issued Wednesday. “By moving Bill No. 36-0313 to the Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance rather than voting on the agreement, the Legislature has effectively killed it and rejected a substantial private investment in the future of horse racing in the Virgin Islands.” The governor’s characterization came after 10 senators backed Sen. Vialet’s motion Wednesday to send the measure to the Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance, halting th...