Casino Bill for Cruise Ships in St. Croix Approved Amid Concerns Over Economic Gains and Frederiksted's Readiness for Tourists

During Wednesday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, lawmakers considered new legislation to allow cruise ships berthed on St. Croix to operate their casinos while docked. Despite some initial reservations, most lawmakers eventually voted in favor of the measure, allowing St. Croix the same provisions that have existed in the St. Thomas-St. John District for over a decade. Bill 35-0389 was supported by the V.I. Port Authority, which operates the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility in Frederiksted, St. Croix. VIPA Assistant Executive Director Bill Rawlins told lawmakers that in St. Croix, “ships often leave early because they are anxious to reopen their onboard casinos.”  VIPA expects such a move would “encourage return visits and increase the demand to cruise to the island.” “Approximately 90% of cruise passengers venture off the ship to explore our islands,” Mr. Rawlins noted. “They shop in our local stores, dine in our restaurants, and enjoy land and sea excursions while enriching our ec...