Screen erected to block out derelict vehicles eyesore @ Ellis Thomas Downs
Not only is it disturbing to look at but for years whenever racing videos are produced at the track located in Sea Cows Bay it has been an eyesore to watch this as the background for a portion of each race. Many horse racing fans sitting in the grandstand can see the derelict vehicles clearly and the ugly sight continues to show up in photos, videos and television footage.
Derelict vehicles blocked out
However, from next race day January 17, 2016 the blemish at Sea Cows Bay will be no more, at least for fans in the grandstand and the media taking photos and video clips.
The new Virgin Islands Horse Owners Association led by Mrs Patsy C. Lake has taken immediate steps to erect some poles and place a “black” screen on the poles to block out the ugly sight of the derelict vehicles.
Our newsroom’s rovering cameraman was on site moments ago January 16, 2016 and saw the work in progress.
Mrs Lake told Virgin Islands News Online: “It’s to block out the unsightly look of those vehicles…because every time visitors come to [our races] they taking pictures of the garbage.”
She further said Mr Lesmore Smith had undertaken to get the screen up in time for race day and she was grateful that he was able to get it done.
The derelict vehicles storage is a project of the Ministry of Health and Social Development. The vehicles are stored on leased land by Government from a private land owner. However, the old vehicles are from time to time shipped overseas.
Other improvements; No help from NDP
Meanwhile, Ms Lake has sourced a new gate, which can start six horses, from the Clinton E. Phillips Racetrack in St Thomas, USVI. The gate is now on site. The new Association has committed itself to doing some small but significant improvements on the racetrack as some critics have said the National Democratic Party (NDP) Administration has not made the sport of horse racing a priority.
The portfolio is held by the Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn. Under the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government it was shared, with the Premier's Office having responsibility for Operations and minor maintenance; while the Ministry of Communications and Works held responsibility for repairs and Capital Improvements. During that Administration the facility had seen many improvements over the years, including the removal and replacement of the running surface, which was always properly maintained, and also the installation of new aluminum inner rails on the track.
Who owns Ellis Thomas Downs?
The Ellis Thomas Downs is a government owned facility with lands leased from two private land owners. Governments over the years have given the Horse Owners’ Association permission to run and manage the races.
The next race day is January 17, 2016 and is dubbed the VI Classic, with horses from all three islands; St Croix, St Thomas and Tortola. Post time is 12:30 PM.
21 Responses to “Screen erected to block out derelict vehicles eyesore @ Ellis Thomas Downs”
That is what devalues property prices. Government or at least Fraser should weigh in on that.
Therefore there are no derelict cars.
Problem solved!
Normally this only works with babies under the age of 2!!
I cannot see it therefore it does not exist.
Can I get one of these to make my neighbours go away once I have my new gate. Thanks Minister.
They had a guy (forgot his name) with the machine that use to crush those old cars & at one point the area had actually started to look better. If memory serves me right there was an issue with money and then work ceased. What is the gov saying about this situation/eyesore?