SENATORS CONSIDER PROPOSED HORSE RACE LEGISLATION IN SPECIAL SESSION
Published: Jul 22, 2026
Members of the 36th Legislature, led by Senate President Milton E. Potter, convened at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. Lawmakers met in special session by request of the governor to consider Bill No. 36-0313, an act approving lease and franchise agreements for the development and operation of the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix and the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas and amending titles 32 and 33 Virgin Islands Code.
Senators voted and subsequently decided to forward Bill No. 36-0313 to the Committee of the Whole for further vetting. All senators gave their position on the matter, and the consensus was the bill needs to be further reviewed, and all necessary parties should be invited and involved in the decision. Senate President Potter acknowledged that he, along with the other senators, are in support of reviving horse racing in St. Croix, but time needs to be taken to ensure the bill is responsible and thoroughly assessed. The meeting will be held on August 19th in St. Croix.
Senators present at Legislative Session include Senators: Milton E. Potter, Kenneth L. Gittens, Marvin A. Blyden, Angel L. Bolques Jr., Dwayne M. DeGraff, Ray Fonseca, Hubert L. Frederick Alma Francis- Heyliger, Novelle E. Francis Jr., Marise C. James, Franklin D. Johnson, Clifford A. Joseph Sr., Carla J. Joseph, Avery L. Lewis, and Kurt A. Vialet.
The Division of Public Affairs is committed to providing the community with accurate
information on legislative proceedings and other events at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands.
Visit legvi.org.
###
Related Content
COMMITTEE RECEIVES TESTIMONY REGARDING THE TERRITORY’S ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE CONDITIONS
October 13, 2026
ST. CROIX, VI – The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture, led by Senator Hubert L. Frederick met in the Fritz E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room. Lawmakers received testimony from the Virgin Islands Department of Labor, Bureau of Economic Research, and Economic Development Authority regarding the territory's current workforce...
COMMITTEE HOSTS YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH, SCHOOL ATTENDANCE, AND TRUANCY TOWN HALL
October 2, 2026
ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks, chaired by Senator At-Large Angel L. Bolques Jr., convened a town hall at the University of the Virgin Islands 13D Research and Strategy Innovation Center on...
LAWMAKERS EXAMINE HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES ACROSS THE TERRITORY
September 30, 2026
ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications, chaired by Senator Marvin A. Blyden, convened at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall to examine critical housing and transportation issues affecting residents across the Territory. The Committee...