New Festival Bill Sparks Debate Over Saturation and Economic Viability

After much debate and some hesitation from members of the Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture, lawmakers voted in favor of Bill 35-0257, an act to develop and produce an annual U.S. Virgin Islands Beer, Wine, and Spirits Festival. “This is a revenue generator. This is for economic stimulation,” said Senator Diane Capehart as she introduced the bill. She said the bill “aims to enhance the Department of Tourism efforts to rejuvenate St. Croix” with a primary goal of showcasing the island. Noting that similar had been done on St. Thomas, Capeheart asserted that “St. Croix is more than ready to receive tourists.” The bill indicates a date of July to host the festival, but Capehart’s comments suggest that there are opportunities for amendment. St. Patrick’s Day and the Agriculture Food Fair were among her suggestions. “Hotel rooms may be a challenge so we can integrate this beer and wine and spirits festival into the Crucian festival activities,” she suggested. In the end, s...