"The Tailor of Panama" is your typical John Le Carre story of spies and politicos of all — and ever-changing — stripes, an international cast of characters who'll take appearances and personal gain over ethics and accountability any day. It's been transported from the printed page to the big screen with some deft touches, and if you like the genre, deadly serious business with an aura of the absurd, you'll almost certainly enjoy the film.
For starters, director, producer and screenwriter John Boorman cast the actor currently wearing the mantle of James Bond — Pierce Brosnan — as lead character Andy Osnard, a 007 with no redeeming qualities. Osnard, in fact, has just been posted to Panama for a last chance at redeeming himself before being drummed out of Her Majesty's Service. This is Panama at the time of the transfer of the canal from U.S. to Panamanian control, an era ripe for espionage and sabotage in the eyes of the paranoid Western powers.
Osnard wastes no time picking the brain of a resident British spy, one Harry Pendel, to all outward appearances a mild-mannered British tailor whose client list goes all the way up to Panama's president (who came to power with the downfall of the nasty Noriega, we are repeatedly informed). Pendel, played by Geoffrey Rush, needs money and Osnard needs a plot and each finds salvation, such as it is, in the other.
The supporting cast includes Jamie Lee Curtis as the tailor's politically well-connected Panamanian-American wife, who sends out mixed messages and tends to misread those that come her way. Other key characters are Pendel's receptionist, a former freedom fighter, and another hero of the anti-Noriega movement who admits in a semi-sober moment that the torture he endured in prison quenched his revolutionary fervor forever.
In contrast to the James Bond films, "The Tailor of Panama" offers its hero no high-tech toys or action scenes. In fact, it offers no hero — Osnard is about as anti-hero as you can get, and by the end, for better or worse, everyone seems to have gotten pretty much what they deserve, leaving relatively few casualties (by today's film standards) in their wake. Believable dialogue and a brooding film-noire ambience contribute to the overall effect.
"The Tailor of Panama" is rated R. It's playing at Market Square East.
'TAILOR OF PANAMA' SHOULD SUIT LE CARRE FANS
"The Tailor of Panama" is your typical John Le Carre story of spies and politicos of all — and ever-changing — stripes, an international cast of characters who'll take appearances and personal gain over ethics and accountability any day. It's been transported from the printed page to the big screen with some deft touches, and if you like the genre, deadly serious business with an aura of the absurd, you'll almost certainly enjoy the film.
For starters, director, producer and screenwriter John Boorman cast the actor currently wearing the mantle of James Bond — Pierce Brosnan — as lead character Andy Osnard, a 007 with no redeeming qualities. Osnard, in fact, has just been posted to Panama for a last chance at redeeming himself before being drummed out of Her Majesty's Service. This is Panama at the time of the transfer of the canal from U.S. to Panamanian control, an era ripe for espionage and sabotage in the eyes of the paranoid Western powers.
Osnard wastes no time picking the brain of a resident British spy, one Harry Pendel, to all outward appearances a mild-mannered British tailor whose client list goes all the way up to Panama's president (who came to power with the downfall of the nasty Noriega, we are repeatedly informed). Pendel, played by Geoffrey Rush, needs money and Osnard needs a plot and each finds salvation, such as it is, in the other.
The supporting cast includes Jamie Lee Curtis as the tailor's politically well-connected Panamanian-American wife, who sends out mixed messages and tends to misread those that come her way. Other key characters are Pendel's receptionist, a former freedom fighter, and another hero of the anti-Noriega movement who admits in a semi-sober moment that the torture he endured in prison quenched his revolutionary fervor forever.
In contrast to the James Bond films, "The Tailor of Panama" offers its hero no high-tech toys or action scenes. In fact, it offers no hero — Osnard is about as anti-hero as you can get, and by the end, for better or worse, everyone seems to have gotten pretty much what they deserve, leaving relatively few casualties (by today's film standards) in their wake. Believable dialogue and a brooding film-noire ambience contribute to the overall effect.
"The Tailor of Panama" is rated R. It's playing on St. Thomas at Market Square East.
For starters, director, producer and screenwriter John Boorman cast the actor currently wearing the mantle of James Bond — Pierce Brosnan — as lead character Andy Osnard, a 007 with no redeeming qualities. Osnard, in fact, has just been posted to Panama for a last chance at redeeming himself before being drummed out of Her Majesty's Service. This is Panama at the time of the transfer of the canal from U.S. to Panamanian control, an era ripe for espionage and sabotage in the eyes of the paranoid Western powers.
Osnard wastes no time picking the brain of a resident British spy, one Harry Pendel, to all outward appearances a mild-mannered British tailor whose client list goes all the way up to Panama's president (who came to power with the downfall of the nasty Noriega, we are repeatedly informed). Pendel, played by Geoffrey Rush, needs money and Osnard needs a plot and each finds salvation, such as it is, in the other.
The supporting cast includes Jamie Lee Curtis as the tailor's politically well-connected Panamanian-American wife, who sends out mixed messages and tends to misread those that come her way. Other key characters are Pendel's receptionist, a former freedom fighter, and another hero of the anti-Noriega movement who admits in a semi-sober moment that the torture he endured in prison quenched his revolutionary fervor forever.
In contrast to the James Bond films, "The Tailor of Panama" offers its hero no high-tech toys or action scenes. In fact, it offers no hero — Osnard is about as anti-hero as you can get, and by the end, for better or worse, everyone seems to have gotten pretty much what they deserve, leaving relatively few casualties (by today's film standards) in their wake. Believable dialogue and a brooding film-noire ambience contribute to the overall effect.
"The Tailor of Panama" is rated R. It's playing on St. Thomas at Market Square East.
GALLERY, AD AGENCY TO CO-HOST 'AFTER HOURS'
July 2, 2001 – Fine art and the graphic arts will share the spotlight at the next Business After Hours event of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce.
The gathering, on Thursday, July 12, will take place at the Blue Turtle Gallery, on the west end of Government Hill, co-hosted by the Mock LeBlanc Brown advertising agency.
The art gallery, owned by artist Lucinda Schutt, is located adjacent to the Marisol restaurant, on the upper floor of the former Ralph Lauren Polo outlet. The ad agency, located on the second floor of the Francois Building, is owned by Beth Mock LeBlanc and Terri Brown.
Business After Hours gatherings are open to chamber members, guests and prospective members. In addition to artwork, this one will feature complimentary hors d'oeuvres and the chamber's traditional two-buck cash bar.
For further information, call 776-0100.
The gathering, on Thursday, July 12, will take place at the Blue Turtle Gallery, on the west end of Government Hill, co-hosted by the Mock LeBlanc Brown advertising agency.
The art gallery, owned by artist Lucinda Schutt, is located adjacent to the Marisol restaurant, on the upper floor of the former Ralph Lauren Polo outlet. The ad agency, located on the second floor of the Francois Building, is owned by Beth Mock LeBlanc and Terri Brown.
Business After Hours gatherings are open to chamber members, guests and prospective members. In addition to artwork, this one will feature complimentary hors d'oeuvres and the chamber's traditional two-buck cash bar.
For further information, call 776-0100.
SCHUTT GALLERY TO HOST 'BUSINESS AFTER HOURS'
July 2, 2001 – Fine art and the graphic arts will share the spotlight at the next Business After Hours event of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce.
The gathering, on Thursday, July 12, will take place on St. Thomas at the Blue Turtle Gallery, on the west end of Government Hill, co-hosted by the Mock LeBlanc Brown advertising agency.
The art gallery, owned by artist Lucinda Schutt, formerly of St. John and now of St. Thomas, is located adjacent to the Marisol restaurant, on the upper floor of the former Ralph Lauren Polo outlet. The ad agency, located on the second floor of the Francois Building, is owned by Beth Mock LeBlanc and Terri Brown.
Business After Hours gatherings are open to chamber members, guests and prospective members. In addition to artwork, this one will feature complimentary hors d'oeuvres and the chamber's traditional two-buck cash bar.
For further information, call 776-0100.
The gathering, on Thursday, July 12, will take place on St. Thomas at the Blue Turtle Gallery, on the west end of Government Hill, co-hosted by the Mock LeBlanc Brown advertising agency.
The art gallery, owned by artist Lucinda Schutt, formerly of St. John and now of St. Thomas, is located adjacent to the Marisol restaurant, on the upper floor of the former Ralph Lauren Polo outlet. The ad agency, located on the second floor of the Francois Building, is owned by Beth Mock LeBlanc and Terri Brown.
Business After Hours gatherings are open to chamber members, guests and prospective members. In addition to artwork, this one will feature complimentary hors d'oeuvres and the chamber's traditional two-buck cash bar.
For further information, call 776-0100.
$6,000 REWARD FOR INFO ON MISSING POLICE OFFICER
July 2, 2001 – Police have increased to $6,000 the reward being offered for information on the whereabouts of Cpl. Wendell "Lazee" Williams, a St. Croix officer who has not been seen for 18 days.
The government, the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce and the two police union locals on St. Croix — the Police Benevolent Association and the Law Enforcement Supervisors Union — have put up money to increase the reward offering. As police criminal investigators pound the pavement in search of information on Williams' whereabouts, search teams are continuing their efforts to locate the 18-year veteran of the St. Croix force.
On Saturday and Sunday, search teams of police personnel, volunteers and retired police officers fanned out across the island. But Operaton Quest, as the recovery effort has been dubbed, has yet to yield tangible results.
Deputy Police Chief Novelle Francis said Saturday that land and aerial searches conducted across the island "have been fruitless thus far." Williams' burned vehicle was found a week ago near Castle Burke.
Francis said he is hoping that the increase in the reward fund will lead to additional information from the community.
The acting commander of the criminal investigation bureau, Lt. Gregory Bennerson, urged the community to support the search effort. Information received so far "has provided some leads," he said, but more help is needed. Bennerson praised the efforts of Territorial Court marshals who have assisted in the effort.
Williams disappeared in mid-June after dropping a relative off at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. What was initially a missing person case was upgraded to a criminal investigation last week with the discovery of Williams' burned vehicle.
Williams is described by police officials as being 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 190-200 pounds, with brown eyes, a beard and graying hair in a low-cut Afro style. He is known to frequent the Five Corners service station and the Peter's Rest cricket field.
Anyone with information as to his possible whereabouts is asked to call police at 778-4950, 778-2211 ext. 4530 or the emergency number 911.
The government, the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce and the two police union locals on St. Croix — the Police Benevolent Association and the Law Enforcement Supervisors Union — have put up money to increase the reward offering. As police criminal investigators pound the pavement in search of information on Williams' whereabouts, search teams are continuing their efforts to locate the 18-year veteran of the St. Croix force.
On Saturday and Sunday, search teams of police personnel, volunteers and retired police officers fanned out across the island. But Operaton Quest, as the recovery effort has been dubbed, has yet to yield tangible results.
Deputy Police Chief Novelle Francis said Saturday that land and aerial searches conducted across the island "have been fruitless thus far." Williams' burned vehicle was found a week ago near Castle Burke.
Francis said he is hoping that the increase in the reward fund will lead to additional information from the community.
The acting commander of the criminal investigation bureau, Lt. Gregory Bennerson, urged the community to support the search effort. Information received so far "has provided some leads," he said, but more help is needed. Bennerson praised the efforts of Territorial Court marshals who have assisted in the effort.
Williams disappeared in mid-June after dropping a relative off at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. What was initially a missing person case was upgraded to a criminal investigation last week with the discovery of Williams' burned vehicle.
Williams is described by police officials as being 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 190-200 pounds, with brown eyes, a beard and graying hair in a low-cut Afro style. He is known to frequent the Five Corners service station and the Peter's Rest cricket field.
Anyone with information as to his possible whereabouts is asked to call police at 778-4950, 778-2211 ext. 4530 or the emergency number 911.
FRIDAY SIP TO FEATURE LUNAR SPECIAL GUEST
July 2, 2001 – This Friday evening's regular art, music, wine, cheese and socializing get-together at the Color of Joy in Red Hook offers the exceptional enticement of "full-moon jazz" with Sally Smith on vocals and keyboard.
The location is a convenient start-of-weekend stop-off for folks heading home by ferry from St. Thomas to St. John, host Corinne Van Rensselaer noted.
Technically, the full moon is making its appearance on Thursday, but it should be looking good Friday evening from the broad Marlin Deck overlooking the marina at American Yacht Harbor, Van Rensselaer said.
The public is invited to stop by, see what's new in the art gallery/gift shop, enjoy complimentary wine, cheese and crackers, and savor the summer breeze and music on the deck. Hours are 6 to 8 p.m. For further information, call Van Rensselaer or Mercedes Berruz at 775-4020.
The location is a convenient start-of-weekend stop-off for folks heading home by ferry from St. Thomas to St. John, host Corinne Van Rensselaer noted.
Technically, the full moon is making its appearance on Thursday, but it should be looking good Friday evening from the broad Marlin Deck overlooking the marina at American Yacht Harbor, Van Rensselaer said.
The public is invited to stop by, see what's new in the art gallery/gift shop, enjoy complimentary wine, cheese and crackers, and savor the summer breeze and music on the deck. Hours are 6 to 8 p.m. For further information, call Van Rensselaer or Mercedes Berruz at 775-4020.
FRIDAY SIP TO FEATURE LUNAR SPECIAL GUEST
July 2, 2001 – This Friday evening's regular art, music, wine, cheese and socializing get-together at the Color of Joy in Red Hook offers the exceptional enticement of "full-moon jazz" with Sally Smith on vocals and keyboard.
Technically, the full moon is making its appearance on Thursday, but it should be looking good Friday evening from the broad Marlin Deck overlooking the marina at American Yacht Harbor, host Corinne Van Rensselaer said.
The public is invited to stop by, see what's new in the art gallery/gift shop, enjoy complimentary wine, cheese and crackers, and savor the summer breeze and music on the deck. Hours are 6 to 8 p.m. For further information, call Van Rensselaer or Mercedes Berruz at 775-4020.
Technically, the full moon is making its appearance on Thursday, but it should be looking good Friday evening from the broad Marlin Deck overlooking the marina at American Yacht Harbor, host Corinne Van Rensselaer said.
The public is invited to stop by, see what's new in the art gallery/gift shop, enjoy complimentary wine, cheese and crackers, and savor the summer breeze and music on the deck. Hours are 6 to 8 p.m. For further information, call Van Rensselaer or Mercedes Berruz at 775-4020.
$6,000 REWARD FOR INFO ON MISSING POLICE OFFICER
July 2, 2001 – Police have increased to $6,000 the reward being offered for information on the whereabouts of Cpl. Wendell "Lazee" Williams, a St. Croix officer who has not been seen for 18 days.
The government, the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce and the two police union locals on St. Croix — the Police Benevolent Association and the Law Enforcement Supervisors Union — have put up money to increase the reward offering. As police criminal investigators pound the pavement in search of information on Williams' whereabouts, search teams are continuing their efforts to locate the 18-year veteran of the St. Croix force.
On Saturday and Sunday, search teams of police personnel, volunteers and retired police officers fanned out across the island. But Operaton Quest, as the recovery effort has been dubbed, has yet to yield tangible results.
Deputy Police Chief Novelle Francis said Saturday that land and aerial searches conducted across the island "have been fruitless thus far." Williams' burned vehicle was found a week ago near Castle Burke.
Francis said he is hoping that the increase in the reward fund will lead to additional information from the community.
The acting commander of the criminal investigation bureau, Lt. Gregory Bennerson, urged the community to support the search effort. Information received so far "has provided some leads," he said, but more help is needed. Bennerson praised the efforts of Territorial Court marshals who have assisted in the effort.
Williams disappeared in mid-June after dropping a relative off at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. What was initially a missing person case was upgraded to a criminal investigation last week with the discovery of Williams' burned vehicle.
Williams is described by police officials as being 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 190-200 pounds, with brown eyes, a beard and graying hair in a low-cut Afro style. He is known to frequent the Five Corners service station and the Peter's Rest cricket field.
Anyone with information as to his possible whereabouts is asked to call police at 778-4950, 778-2211 ext. 4530 or the emergency number 911.
The government, the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce and the two police union locals on St. Croix — the Police Benevolent Association and the Law Enforcement Supervisors Union — have put up money to increase the reward offering. As police criminal investigators pound the pavement in search of information on Williams' whereabouts, search teams are continuing their efforts to locate the 18-year veteran of the St. Croix force.
On Saturday and Sunday, search teams of police personnel, volunteers and retired police officers fanned out across the island. But Operaton Quest, as the recovery effort has been dubbed, has yet to yield tangible results.
Deputy Police Chief Novelle Francis said Saturday that land and aerial searches conducted across the island "have been fruitless thus far." Williams' burned vehicle was found a week ago near Castle Burke.
Francis said he is hoping that the increase in the reward fund will lead to additional information from the community.
The acting commander of the criminal investigation bureau, Lt. Gregory Bennerson, urged the community to support the search effort. Information received so far "has provided some leads," he said, but more help is needed. Bennerson praised the efforts of Territorial Court marshals who have assisted in the effort.
Williams disappeared in mid-June after dropping a relative off at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. What was initially a missing person case was upgraded to a criminal investigation last week with the discovery of Williams' burned vehicle.
Williams is described by police officials as being 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 190-200 pounds, with brown eyes, a beard and graying hair in a low-cut Afro style. He is known to frequent the Five Corners service station and the Peter's Rest cricket field.
Anyone with information as to his possible whereabouts is asked to call police at 778-4950, 778-2211 ext. 4530 or the emergency number 911.
TEMPEST 1ST OVER THE LINE IN LADY TRISTRAM RACE
July 2, 2001 – New sailors and new boats added excitement to the age-old Lady Tristram Cup, hosted by the St. Thomas Yacht Club Sunday, with Tempest coming in first in the spinnaker class and Feeling Friendly winning the new IC-24 class.
"We has some new people on board that hadn't sailed with us before and the winds were in our favor," said John Haracivit, who skippered the winning spinnaker racing boat, Tempest, a Beneteau 38. All five boats in this class were exceedingly close at the finish on both actual time and corrected handicap time considering the course was a clockwise circumnavigation of St. Thomas.
Tortola's Eddie Brockbank was poised for the first place position aboard his Olson 30, Fastidiots, until just minutes before the finish line the jib ripped and de-powered the vessel enough for Tempest to sail by. Tortola's Kevin Rowlette's Olson 30, Rushin Rowlette, also gained time on Fastidiot's breakdown and finished second. "It's good to have our Tortola friends come over and join us and give us some good competition," Haracivit said during the awards.
Since making its debut at the Rolex Regatta in April, the IC-24 class has been actively racing during Friday night fun nights, in sailing classes as at regattas like the Lady Tristram. Six IC-24s, which are a converted J24 design that makes them easier to sail, sailed a shorter course that navigated Great St. James and out to Frenchcap. "The real key to our win was Chris calling tactics. The winds were shifty out there today. But with Chris no one just sits there as crew. Everyone got to take a turn at the tiller," said Ruth Miller, who crewed aboard the winning IC-24, Feeling Friendly, along with IC-24 innovator, Chris Rosenberg.
Chris Thompson's No Sea Um finished second, while Cold Beer V with IC-24 builder Morgan Avery at the helm came in third. Since the IC-24 design makes each boat identical, there was no handicap to calculate. The beauty of the equal design also proved at the finish line as all six boats finished within four minutes of each other after a two-plus hour race.
The Lady Tristram Regatta, now in it's 37th year, is the longest continually held race by the St. Thomas Yacht Club. The name of the race comes from an early member, Col. John Brindley. Brindley regularly sailed his 46-foot Rhodes yawl, the Lady Tristram, in club races. Though he crossed the finish line first on several occasions, he never won a race once times had been corrected for handicap. Brindley felt that what really counted was who finished first. He felt so strongly, in fact, that he donated a perpetual trophy and named it after his boat. Since then, though handicaps are calculated and class winners are announced, the Lady Tristram Trophy is awarded to the monohull sailing around the course in the fastest elapsed time. Tempest earned this honor this year, and along with the winner's title Haracivit was awarded gear as a prize from regatta sponsor, Budget Marine.
"We has some new people on board that hadn't sailed with us before and the winds were in our favor," said John Haracivit, who skippered the winning spinnaker racing boat, Tempest, a Beneteau 38. All five boats in this class were exceedingly close at the finish on both actual time and corrected handicap time considering the course was a clockwise circumnavigation of St. Thomas.
Tortola's Eddie Brockbank was poised for the first place position aboard his Olson 30, Fastidiots, until just minutes before the finish line the jib ripped and de-powered the vessel enough for Tempest to sail by. Tortola's Kevin Rowlette's Olson 30, Rushin Rowlette, also gained time on Fastidiot's breakdown and finished second. "It's good to have our Tortola friends come over and join us and give us some good competition," Haracivit said during the awards.
Since making its debut at the Rolex Regatta in April, the IC-24 class has been actively racing during Friday night fun nights, in sailing classes as at regattas like the Lady Tristram. Six IC-24s, which are a converted J24 design that makes them easier to sail, sailed a shorter course that navigated Great St. James and out to Frenchcap. "The real key to our win was Chris calling tactics. The winds were shifty out there today. But with Chris no one just sits there as crew. Everyone got to take a turn at the tiller," said Ruth Miller, who crewed aboard the winning IC-24, Feeling Friendly, along with IC-24 innovator, Chris Rosenberg.
Chris Thompson's No Sea Um finished second, while Cold Beer V with IC-24 builder Morgan Avery at the helm came in third. Since the IC-24 design makes each boat identical, there was no handicap to calculate. The beauty of the equal design also proved at the finish line as all six boats finished within four minutes of each other after a two-plus hour race.
The Lady Tristram Regatta, now in it's 37th year, is the longest continually held race by the St. Thomas Yacht Club. The name of the race comes from an early member, Col. John Brindley. Brindley regularly sailed his 46-foot Rhodes yawl, the Lady Tristram, in club races. Though he crossed the finish line first on several occasions, he never won a race once times had been corrected for handicap. Brindley felt that what really counted was who finished first. He felt so strongly, in fact, that he donated a perpetual trophy and named it after his boat. Since then, though handicaps are calculated and class winners are announced, the Lady Tristram Trophy is awarded to the monohull sailing around the course in the fastest elapsed time. Tempest earned this honor this year, and along with the winner's title Haracivit was awarded gear as a prize from regatta sponsor, Budget Marine.
ROLLING CYBER-DICE: INTERNET GAMING IN THE V.I.
Beginning a two-part series
July 1, 2001 — With gambling behemoth Nevada the first jurisdiction in the United States about to enter into the realm of Internet gambling, the stakes have been raised for Virgin Islands lawmakers trying to hammer out an acceptable online gaming bill for the territory.
As Nevada positions itself again to be the nation's pioneer in gambling -– this time in cyberspace — one question is whether it’s too late for other jurisdictions, such as the Virgin Islands, to deal themselves into the Internet game. Some supporters of Internet gaming in the territory say that having Nevada take the point on cyberspace gaming issues could be a good thing for the Virgin Islands.
Early in June, the Nevada Legislature passed an Internet gaming law — a 180-degree turn from the position it (and most Nevada casino operators) held just a few years ago. Nevada's governor signed the bill into law last week.
Why the about-face? Internet gambling is projected to generate more than $10 billion a year by 2005. And the world’s leader in casino gaming doesn’t want to be left out of the action.
A critical question now is how other jurisdictions that have been considering dealing themselves into online gaming will fare up against the name recognition and draw of Las Vegas. No question: It's a gamble.
There are legal hurdles, too. Neither Congress nor the U.S. Justice Department has taken a definitive stand on whether Internet gambling violates the federal Wire Act of 1960. That question is open to interpretation and will likely be put to the test by the gaming industry in Nevada.
Meantime, the Virgin Islands is drafting its own Internet gaming legislation. Is it too late, given Nevada’s premier positioning?
Not in the least, supporters say.
Follow the leader
Anthony Cabot, a Las Vegas-based attorney and expert on Internet gambling who is familiar with the Virgin Islands gaming industry, told the Source that it will take the powerful, well-financed Nevada gaming industry more than a year to launch a viable and legal Internet gaming framework. He said the Nevada Gaming Commission and the Gaming Control Board would have to be assured that Internet gaming software can keep underage players from participating and that the games will be accessible only in places where Internet gaming is legal — which at the moment doesn’t include anyplace in the United States or its territories.
"Software, hardware and procedures: They all go together," Cabot said. "Work needs to be done."
The timeline for accomplishing it could work in favor of the Virgin Islands by letting Nevada blaze the trail, Eileen Petersen, chair of the V.I. Casino Control Commission, said in a recent interview.
"If we were to follow the lead of Las Vegas, we would be in good company," Petersen said. "They don’t want to run afoul of federal statutes. They have the resources to do that. We don’t."
Ahead of the curve
The V.I. Legislature passed the Casino Control Act of 1995 decades after the casino boom hit the United States. And then it took another five years for the first casino to open on St. Croix, the only island in the territory where casino gambling is legal.
But Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd, one of the sponsors of the territory’s Internet gaming bill, said the Virgin Islands is now a "pioneer" as far as Internet gaming goes. Besides Nevada, he said, New Jersey is the only other U.S. jurisdiction seriously considering such an endeavor at the moment.
The territory is in an ideal position to launch itself as an Internet-gaming center for three reasons, Liburd said: It has an established Casino Control Commission, it is under the U.S. flag, and St. Croix is a hub for two major fiber-optic cable systems that span the globe.
Internet gambling industry investors "are looking for a credible base so they can say they are clearly legal and above board," he said. "I think it’s a new day in the Virgin Islands. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain."
On Friday, the Senate Economic Development, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Committee amended the Internet bill and sent it to the Rules Committee. At the committee hearing, Petersen emphasized that, if her commission will have to license and regulate Internet gaming companies that set up their servers on St. Croix, it will need more support and funding.
In a previous interview, too, Petersen had noted that it could take some time for Nevada to get online, "and they have all the resources." She expressed concern that local politicians and others in the community might criticize the commission if it takes what may seem like a long time to get Internet gaming rolling once legislation is passed — as happened with casinos.
"In the Virgin Islands, if they passed the legislation, they’d want it to be up and running in two months," she said. "When it took us three years [for the first casino], the Virgin Islands felt they didn’t need the Casino Control Commission."
Two master franchisers and a server farm
What will likely speed up the establishment of online gambling in the territory, despite the cash-poor government, is how the proposed Internet gaming legislation is written. One amendment to the bill approved by the committee Friday provides for two "master franchisers" to fund and build a data center, or a "server farm," where Internet gaming firms will house their websites.
The master franchisers will charge the gaming firms to operate and then pay taxes to the government. Perspective gaming firms will pay application and licensing fees to the Casino Control Commission, which will be responsible for investigating and approving them, as it does for brick-and-mortar casino applicants.
Initially, V.I. Technological Initiative LLP, a company formed specifically for Internet gaming by St. Thomas businessmen Nick Pourzal, Michael Bornn and Tom Colameco, was to hold the sole franchise. But even though the St. Thomas trio did the initial work on the proposed bill, senators decided to allow a franchiser from St. Croix into the game.
Two principals in the company, St. Croix Gaming LLP, are Bernie Burkholder, president and CEO of Treasure Bay Gaming & Resorts Inc., which operates the Divi Casino on St. Croix, and St. Croix businessman Paul Arnold. According to Liburd, if either firm fails to pass the Casino Control Commission’s rigorous background check, others will be allowed to apply for the franchise.
According to estimates from V.I. Technological Initiative when it was proposed as the sole franchise holder, the government would stand to collect 10 percent of the company’s gross revenues, projected at about $50 million a year by 2003.
Nevada will tax the revenues generated by its Internet gaming firms at 6.25 percent, which is also the rate for casinos in the state. Internet gaming firms will also have to pay a $500,000 fee every two years to continue operating.
Rolling the cyber-dice
Bornn said he had mixed feelings about Nevada’s entry into Internet gaming before the Virgin Islands. He also said Puerto Rico is considering online gambling legislation. Because of that, he said, the Virgin Islands can’t afford to let the pending legislation languish.
"It’s not like we came up with this idea out of the blue," he said. "We knew what Nevada was up to."
Now, Bornn said, the territory needs to "piggy-back" onto the state's pioneering efforts. Having Las Vegas at the table won’t knock the Virgin Islands out of the game, he said, but it will make it harder for the territory to be viable.
"Lo and behold, they beat us to the punch. We are in the shadow, no doubt," he said. "Having Nevada in the picture makes it difficult. The package the Virgin Islands has to offer has to be more enticing."
What t hat will be remains to be seen. Liburd was the Senate president in 1995, when legislation for casino gaming was being drawn up. The initial proposal and the final bill were worlds apart. The Internet gaming bill is already on the same path, Liburd said.
"It’s not final," he said. "We know from experience with the casino bill there will be new issues."
Next: The legal hurdles facing Internet gaming
July 1, 2001 — With gambling behemoth Nevada the first jurisdiction in the United States about to enter into the realm of Internet gambling, the stakes have been raised for Virgin Islands lawmakers trying to hammer out an acceptable online gaming bill for the territory.
As Nevada positions itself again to be the nation's pioneer in gambling -– this time in cyberspace — one question is whether it’s too late for other jurisdictions, such as the Virgin Islands, to deal themselves into the Internet game. Some supporters of Internet gaming in the territory say that having Nevada take the point on cyberspace gaming issues could be a good thing for the Virgin Islands.
Early in June, the Nevada Legislature passed an Internet gaming law — a 180-degree turn from the position it (and most Nevada casino operators) held just a few years ago. Nevada's governor signed the bill into law last week.
Why the about-face? Internet gambling is projected to generate more than $10 billion a year by 2005. And the world’s leader in casino gaming doesn’t want to be left out of the action.
A critical question now is how other jurisdictions that have been considering dealing themselves into online gaming will fare up against the name recognition and draw of Las Vegas. No question: It's a gamble.
There are legal hurdles, too. Neither Congress nor the U.S. Justice Department has taken a definitive stand on whether Internet gambling violates the federal Wire Act of 1960. That question is open to interpretation and will likely be put to the test by the gaming industry in Nevada.
Meantime, the Virgin Islands is drafting its own Internet gaming legislation. Is it too late, given Nevada’s premier positioning?
Not in the least, supporters say.
Follow the leader
Anthony Cabot, a Las Vegas-based attorney and expert on Internet gambling who is familiar with the Virgin Islands gaming industry, told the Source that it will take the powerful, well-financed Nevada gaming industry more than a year to launch a viable and legal Internet gaming framework. He said the Nevada Gaming Commission and the Gaming Control Board would have to be assured that Internet gaming software can keep underage players from participating and that the games will be accessible only in places where Internet gaming is legal — which at the moment doesn’t include anyplace in the United States or its territories.
"Software, hardware and procedures: They all go together," Cabot said. "Work needs to be done."
The timeline for accomplishing it could work in favor of the Virgin Islands by letting Nevada blaze the trail, Eileen Petersen, chair of the V.I. Casino Control Commission, said in a recent interview.
"If we were to follow the lead of Las Vegas, we would be in good company," Petersen said. "They don’t want to run afoul of federal statutes. They have the resources to do that. We don’t."
Ahead of the curve
The V.I. Legislature passed the Casino Control Act of 1995 decades after the casino boom hit the United States. And then it took another five years for the first casino to open on St. Croix, the only island in the territory where casino gambling is legal.
But Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd, one of the sponsors of the territory’s Internet gaming bill, said the Virgin Islands is now a "pioneer" as far as Internet gaming goes. Besides Nevada, he said, New Jersey is the only other U.S. jurisdiction seriously considering such an endeavor at the moment.
The territory is in an ideal position to launch itself as an Internet-gaming center for three reasons, Liburd said: It has an established Casino Control Commission, it is under the U.S. flag, and St. Croix is a hub for two major fiber-optic cable systems that span the globe.
Internet gambling industry investors "are looking for a credible base so they can say they are clearly legal and above board," he said. "I think it’s a new day in the Virgin Islands. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain."
On Friday, the Senate Economic Development, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Committee amended the Internet bill and sent it to the Rules Committee. At the committee hearing, Petersen emphasized that, if her commission will have to license and regulate Internet gaming companies that set up their servers on St. Croix, it will need more support and funding.
In a previous interview, too, Petersen had noted that it could take some time for Nevada to get online, "and they have all the resources." She expressed concern that local politicians and others in the community might criticize the commission if it takes what may seem like a long time to get Internet gaming rolling once legislation is passed — as happened with casinos.
"In the Virgin Islands, if they passed the legislation, they’d want it to be up and running in two months," she said. "When it took us three years [for the first casino], the Virgin Islands felt they didn’t need the Casino Control Commission."
Two master franchisers and a server farm
What will likely speed up the establishment of online gambling in the territory, despite the cash-poor government, is how the proposed Internet gaming legislation is written. One amendment to the bill approved by the committee Friday provides for two "master franchisers" to fund and build a data center, or a "server farm," where Internet gaming firms will house their websites.
The master franchisers will charge the gaming firms to operate and then pay taxes to the government. Perspective gaming firms will pay application and licensing fees to the Casino Control Commission, which will be responsible for investigating and approving them, as it does for brick-and-mortar casino applicants.
Initially, V.I. Technological Initiative LLP, a company formed specifically for Internet gaming by St. Thomas businessmen Nick Pourzal, Michael Bornn and Tom Colameco, was to hold the sole franchise. But even though the St. Thomas trio did the initial work on the proposed bill, senators decided to allow a franchiser from St. Croix into the game.
Two principals in the company, St. Croix Gaming LLP, are Bernie Burkholder, president and CEO of Treasure Bay Gaming & Resorts Inc., which operates the Divi Casino on St. Croix, and St. Croix businessman Paul Arnold. According to Liburd, if either firm fails to pass the Casino Control Commission’s rigorous background check, others will be allowed to apply for the franchise.
According to estimates from V.I. Technological Initiative when it was proposed as the sole franchise holder, the government would stand to collect 10 percent of the company’s gross revenues, projected at about $50 million a year by 2003.
Nevada will tax the revenues generated by its Internet gaming firms at 6.25 percent, which is also the rate for casinos in the state. Internet gaming firms will also have to pay a $500,000 fee every two years to continue operating.
Rolling the cyber-dice
Bornn said he had mixed feelings about Nevada’s entry into Internet gaming before the Virgin Islands. He also said Puerto Rico is considering online gambling legislation. Because of that, he said, the Virgin Islands can’t afford to let the pending legislation languish.
"It’s not like we came up with this idea out of the blue," he said. "We knew what Nevada was up to."
Now, Bornn said, the territory needs to "piggy-back" onto the state's pioneering efforts. Having Las Vegas at the table won’t knock the Virgin Islands out of the game, he said, but it will make it harder for the territory to be viable.
"Lo and behold, they beat us to the punch. We are in the shadow, no doubt," he said. "Having Nevada in the picture makes it difficult. The package the Virgin Islands has to offer has to be more enticing."
What t hat will be remains to be seen. Liburd was the Senate president in 1995, when legislation for casino gaming was being drawn up. The initial proposal and the final bill were worlds apart. The Internet gaming bill is already on the same path, Liburd said.
"It’s not final," he said. "We know from experience with the casino bill there will be new issues."
Next: The legal hurdles facing Internet gaming
