March 4, 2003 – Sen. Raymond "Usie" Richards announced in a release on Tuesday that he has written to Senate President David Jones with concerns about two Committee of the Whole hearings scheduled later this month on a bill to repeal the legalization of video lottery operations in the St. Thomas-St. John district.
Richards and Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg are the sponsors of the repeal bill. The hearings are set for 6 p.m. March 13 on St. Croix and 6 p.m. March 14 on St. Thomas. The president of the Senate chairs Committee of the Whole sessions.
Jones has stated his intent to invite representatives of "stakeholders" to testify at the hearings. He specifically cited the Casino Control Commission; Robin Bay Associates, the developer of a planned half-billion dollar resort and casino on St. Croix; and Southland Gaming, the company contracted by the government several years ago to distribute video lottery terminals once their operations became legal. The government is currently in court seeking to void Southland's contract.
Noting that "at least 32" business, church and civic groups are on record as opposing VLT operations, Richards said he wants to know what provision there is for the local constituency to testify. He also asked Jones to consider starting the hearings earlier in the day, to ensure that "all stakeholders will be heard." And he asked that anyone wanting to testify let his office know by calling 712-2276.
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