No Boxing Day Races @ Ellis Downs; No sign of dispute being resolved!
However, instead of the cheers or crowds and rivalry between jockeys on the track, Ellis Thomas Downs sits dilapidated and abandoned.
The last time there was a race day on Tortola was on August Tuesday, 2022, but since then, the major portion of the lands have been in dispute over increased market value payment requested between one landowner, the Thomas family, and the government of the VI.
Both sides appear to be stuck in their different positions, as there has been no movement since the Thomas family responded to the Government via letter a few months ago.
Is our racetrack matter dead?
A senior Government official told our newsroom, speaking on condition of anonymity that the “matter has been with the Attorney General’s Chambers for the past few months. However, I do not agree with compulsory acquisition.”
The Horse Track matter rests with the Premier, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development.
It is our understanding that a proposal was made to the government to set up an independent negotiation committee, but the government has rejected that idea as the Ellis Thomas Downs remains a wasteland.
Good for our culture, good for economy
The Horse races contribute greatly to the local economy with filled ferry services between the USVI and VI, Jost van Dyke and Virgin Gorda to Tortola, departure taxes, car rentals, clothing stores, supermarkets, hotels, and vendors selling at the Downs.
Horse racing also plays a vital role in the local culture and brings people together from the greater Virgin Islands.
If the racetrack is to get off the ground besides resolving the land challenges, it will need an estimated one million dollars in investment into the deteriorating facility to resurface the running track, build new stables, fix all the grandstands, and provide support to horse owners to purchase horses.
Persons have since speculated that given the way the Wheatley government has handled the matter, one could conclude the VI would not see horse races in the Territory, not even next year when the Terrtiey celebrates its 70th-anniversary of Emancipation Festival.
Former Speaker 'Disappointed'
In an invited comment, former Speaker of the House of Assembly and Third District resident Julian Willock noted that he remains “disappointed over this racetrack matter and I urged the Dr Wheatley administration to consider setting up an independent negotiating team to resolve the matter.”
He further asked, “How can you talk about a 70th anniversary without horse races?”
Government in a statement last year said that “it remains committed to continuing efforts to resolve all outstanding issues with the Thomas family regarding the use of the land.”
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31 Responses to “No Boxing Day Races @ Ellis Downs; No sign of dispute being resolved!”
still no movement. Nothing. Nana. Zip.
Hardly and need for written explanation.
Hard to believe this isn’t Reuters.
free slaves and spent huge amounts to free slaves from other countries. Give them a break. At some point we need to be grown up and take responsibility for ourselves rather than blaming others.
The Premier needs to be removed from his seat he has no interest in the BVI Islander people at all. This situation should have to be dealt with by now. All they do is travel around the world first class. Pay off the Thomas family or take the land from them and put the money into their account to do something. The horse's owners have suffered greatly because of the government. They had so much hope to spend so much money to maintain their horses. If the Premier had cared so much about people he would done something. The government failed the people and kill their joy for horse race. Thanks, Mr. Willock for sharing
* USUAL * ~ YOU HELPED TO CREATE THE PROBLEM , SO DON'T CRY WOLF NOW ????
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So, if the Thomas family is unwilling to resolve, should we not look for alternative sites for these activities?
I think, going forward, as a new year approaches, possible sites, in the seventh or eight districts should be considered!
ORRR, ask families with massive amounts of plots,willing to negotiate- set up meetings with the administration for contractual arrangements, to ensure the continuity of these activities!
I just don't know , why, we are still in limbo, about this matter!