Eileen Parsons
Former legislator Eileene Parsons has criticised the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) government for its failure to resolve the ongoing impasse that has halted horse racing at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay.
Speaking on The Alliance radio show on April 23, Parsons highlighted the government’s apparent inaction in addressing the land dispute that prevented the sport’s resumption. She stated, “It’ll take the political will to get that track back and the political [will is] not there.“
The dispute centres around leasing agreements with the Thomas family, who own a portion of the racetrack land. Attempts to reach a compromise have proven challenging, with Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley confirming that while discussions have been ongoing, they have not yet been successful.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn recounted his own experiences in negotiating with the landowners, stating, “I had a wonderful working relationship with those people who owned the track… I still strongly believe that better negotiating skills must be brought to bear to be able to solve this problem.“
Parsons emphasised the cultural and economic significance of horse racing in the territory, noting that the sport was once an economic driver and a unifying activity for the community.
Despite suggestions to explore alternative locations for horse racing, Premier Wheatley noted that no suitable options have emerged. “We also have other persons who have suggested to us that we look at other areas, potentially for a horse track. We’ve explored some of those areas. Nothing has come forward as being viable at this particular moment, but we continue to try,” he said.
Walwyn urged the government to take decisive action, stating, “This problem can be solved. But it’s a matter of just sitting down diligently and having a conversation. Have some give and take in the conversation so we can move things along.“
Horse racing has been part of the BVI culture for many years, but in recent times, the sport has been on pause because of the impasse between the government and the estate of Ellis Thomas.
Copyright 2025 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
