Politics

Bryan Vetoes Vialet-Sponsored Bill Related to Caravelle Hotel Casino a Second Time, Signs a Dozen Measures Into Law

Governor Albert Bryan has vetoed a revised version of what he calls a “special interest” bill the governor previously vetoed. Both measures were sponsored by Senator Kurt Vialet, though the latest bill seeks to reduce from 400 to 75 the number of people a required banquet hall must facilitate as part of the Caravelle Hotel casino’s existing license. The first bill sought to eliminate the requirement for a banquet hall altogether, but it was rejected by Governor Bryan. The veto was part of actions taken by the governor on over a dozen bills, most of which Mr. Bryan signed into law, according to a release issued by the administration Tuesday. In his transmittal letter to Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory, Mr. Bryan said he vetoed Bill No. 34-0186 (formerly Bill No. 34-0168) because it is an attempt to establish an exemption for one casino owner in Downtown Christiansted and subverts a pending matter before the Casino Control Commission and the Virgin Islands Superior Court. The gov...