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‘We have to bring back’ horse racing in memory of Eileene L. Parsons- Premier

The late Eileene L. Parsons, OBE was an ardent supporter of horse racing in the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said horse racing should return not only because it is a pastime of the Virgin Islands but also in memory of Mrs Eileene L. Parsons, OBE. Photo: YouTube
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said horse racing should return not only because it is a pastime of the Virgin Islands but also in memory of Mrs Eileene L. Parsons, OBE. Photo: YouTube
There have been no horse races at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay since August 2, 2022, due to an impasse between Government and one of the landowners. Photo: VINO/File
There have been no horse races at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay since August 2, 2022, due to an impasse between Government and one of the landowners. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Describing the late former legislator and cultural icon Mrs Eileene L. Parsons, OBE, as a sports enthusiast who had a great love for softball and horse racing, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said horse racing should return not only because it is a pastime of the Virgin Islands but also in memory of Mrs Parsons.

“She was a fixture at the softball games and whenever we would have horse races,” Premier Wheatley recalled during the Special Sitting of the House of Assembly (HoA) in honour of Mrs Parsons on Monday, July 1, 2025.

According to Premier Wheatley, Mrs Parsons “was not happy” that there has not been any horse racing in the Virgin Islands for some time, “and that is something that we are going to have to bring back, certainly as one of our pastimes and in memory of the great Eileene Parsons.”

There have been no horse races at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay since August 2, 2022, due to an impasse between the Government and one of the landowners, the Thomas family, over price and fair market value, and what the government of the day is willing to pay.

Mrs Parsons wanted gov’t to take land for the ‘public good’

Mrs Parsons had controversially stated in October 2022, that the government should take the land via Compulsory Acquisition or Eminent Domain to save horse racing.

“I say it without apology – I am an advocate for the word towards eminent domain. You do it for the public good.

“Honestly, if I was in there and I was the Minister of Sports as I used to be, I would’ve advocated that because you cannot have the BVI sporting public being held hostage for something like this,” Mrs Parsons had stated.

The then Opposition Leader and now Deputy Premier, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), had opposed the idea of the government taking the land from the Thomas family.

In the meantime, horse racing is alive and well in the US Virgin Islands (USVI). The next racecard at Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St Thomas on July 5, 2025.

19 Responses to “‘We have to bring back’ horse racing in memory of Eileene L. Parsons- Premier”

  • Guest (03/07/2025, 10:12) Like (44) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need to do a lot of things for Eileene. But sneaking in and using the death of her for that is a new low. You could not wait to seize this woman’s death and use it for an agenda……Truly pathetic
  • Piece of my mind (03/07/2025, 10:20) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ms. Parson has made her contribution, let her take her well earned rest. If we decide to bring horse racing back, it should be because it is viable.
  • In Your Dreams. (03/07/2025, 10:28) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nonsense. Not even St Thomas can bring it back.
  • You dreaming (03/07/2025, 10:57) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    What a waste
  • Real (03/07/2025, 11:16) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    YOU WORRYING ABOUT HORSE RACING HOW THEY GOING UPKEEP THE ANIMALS WHEN THE WORKING FOR GOVERNMENT AND YALL DECIDED TO STAGNATE THE SALARIES ONLY THINKING BOUT YALL DAMM SELVES GREEDY MUCH BUT GOD IS WATCHING BE CAREFUL WHEN CLAIMING ONE THING BUT DOING ANOTHER
  • FEED UP (03/07/2025, 11:18) Like (18) Dislike (3) Reply
    What rubbish, I’m sure she would rather the roads be repaired in her name. Plus when are you going to remove the picture of the drug dealing X premier
  • Crap (03/07/2025, 11:18) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Crap!
  • local boy (03/07/2025, 12:19) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    In order to bring horseracing in the BVI. it will take private investment not taxpayers moneys that they continue to STEAL. Invite the guys on billionaire row in New York, in Saudi Arabia and Dubai. Government needs to just the laws in place. Casino at the track, Parimutuetrals and a decent track. Then we'll have horseracing. If that ain't doing. Then it us officially DEAD.
  • Kingfish (03/07/2025, 12:24) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Please don't she should be honored in a more dignified manner than ANNIAL GRUELTY.
  • Bunk (03/07/2025, 12:26) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    why do people seem to believe the horse track must come out of the tax payer's pockets? there are more than enough wealthy horse owners that can come together and bring the project to fruition without asking for a dime of the public's money.
  • reality (03/07/2025, 12:51) Like (38) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bring back running water, electricity, and paved roads
  • Back Door Chinese. (03/07/2025, 12:57) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sowande need to shut up with this.
  • Give them a choice (03/07/2025, 13:54) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Bring horse racing back or skin out - ( like for horse racing and dislike for skin out
  • wow really (03/07/2025, 14:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    don't do it
  • Ohhh (03/07/2025, 15:10) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Just put her face on a $100 bill, you know so when expats come amd see that, they will know they have arrived in the promised land.
  • Citizens (03/07/2025, 15:44) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    The people have spoken and best believe this clown show government gonna still do wa dem want
  • Truth (03/07/2025, 16:12) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am not casting another vote for anyone until that 'GREEDY BILL' is done away with!!!!!
  • BuzzBvi (03/07/2025, 16:26) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    If he going to listen to her about horse racing he needs to listen to her about independence.
  • von (03/07/2025, 17:13) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    does that make sense she gone when she was looking for it you didn't studying us dead does not know any thing it to later now for leave that for next year


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