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Willock calls for new negotiations regarding Ellis Thomas Downs stalemate

Former Speaker Julian Willock has called for fresh negotiations between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Thomas family to resolve the issue surrounding the ban on the use of the track. Photo: VINO/GIS/File
Former Speaker Julian Willock, right, was a guest on Da Morning Braff Show with host Rosemary Cindy Rosan, left, on August 25, 2023. Photo: Facebook
Former Speaker Julian Willock, right, was a guest on Da Morning Braff Show with host Rosemary Cindy Rosan, left, on August 25, 2023. Photo: Facebook
FAT HOGS BAY, Tortola, VI- A staple of the Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival activities is horse racing; however, it was missing from this year’s calendar of activities due to a breakdown in negotiations with landowners at Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay last year.

Now, former Speaker Julian Willock has called for fresh negotiations between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Thomas family.

Mr Willock says he is hoping for horse racing to return for Boxing Day this year, but emphasied it must be a part of the calendar of activities for the 70th anniversary of Emancipation Festival.

No 70th anniversary of festival without horse racing- Willock

“I am hoping to see that some sort of negotiations start with Ellis Thomas Downs and that matter is resolved.

“This is a message to the Honourable Premier and we cannot and will not have a 70th anniversary unless there is horse racing,” Mr Willock told co-host of Da Morning Braff Show, Rosemary Cindy Rosan, today, August 25, 2023.

Mr Willock continued that whatever needs to be done to facilitate those negotiations to see a return of horse racing must be done quickly because once the negotiations are finished there needs to be some work done on the facility.

“I am hoping that Boxing Day this year we are going to have horse races, my hope,” Mr Willock stated.

See related articles:

Gov’t made 'significant' offer to family owning land @ Ellis Thomas Downs- Premier

Unity Gov't denies cancelling contract with Thomas family

24 Responses to “Willock calls for new negotiations regarding Ellis Thomas Downs stalemate”

  • hog city (25/08/2023, 18:41) Like (3) Dislike (16) Reply
    We will willock
  • nastiness (25/08/2023, 18:44) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    So why the people have to put all those filthy garbage at the side of the road,piled on each other at the Corner by Tigers entrance to come up in Greenland…that is disrespectful and disgraceful Greenland residents… so many foreigners drive pass on a daily basis to go Lambert’s and surrounding areas yet this is what we portray…..height of nastiness!!!!
  • Youth (25/08/2023, 18:59) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
    I agree with Willock. He is kn target. However the owners of the lands must be reasonable and rational although based on the document and time it was signed it is clear Fraser & Myron pushed government and we the tax payers into signing another bad deal like biwater.
  • careful (25/08/2023, 19:13) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    Negotiation is fine but at the same time paying any more money than we was already paying for that track is absolutely crazy to me. Is just greed no matter how you look at it.
  • Wellsah (25/08/2023, 20:14) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    They should be able to negotiate renting the place for the assigned day instead of paying out that ridiculous cost for a year.
  • We dont want it (25/08/2023, 21:44) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    They can have their land and we will keep our money
  • justin (25/08/2023, 21:46) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    just have a white gentleman speak with the premier and Wala racing back on track
  • Truly (25/08/2023, 22:25) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    What the Government need to do is negotiate with the owners down Cox Heat area and make a deal with them and do the do following.

    1. Develop a proper Horse racing t
    rack with proper seating and stables.

    2. Either Dirt road or concrete or combination of both short into medium short circuit racing track catering to 50-150cc class go karts or mini racing vehicles.

    Down there have the size and mean to accomplish that and will not only get the youths out of crime and violence but also boost the economy
    • @ truly (26/08/2023, 10:28) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      while at the races you have to be inhaling that toxic smoke from the dump at pockwood pond
  • value for money (25/08/2023, 22:33) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Find a new site. We should not continue down this path
  • Iman (25/08/2023, 22:37) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    biwater was not a bad deal look up the contract greedy people and know they crying about water and sewage years after when the ndp make biwater give back the crop. the 25ml for the genertor and seven eleven the contract
    • @Iman (26/08/2023, 09:25) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Are you crazy? If biwater was not a bad contract then there is nonbad contracts. You need to read it and ask how much money the tax payers are still paying yearly for the past years with nothing to show.
  • resident (25/08/2023, 23:17) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    if you want the land, pay the people
  • boycott (26/08/2023, 01:39) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    No horse race no 70th anniversary
  • Land grab (26/08/2023, 01:41) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Good luck with this initiative Esteem
  • nonsense (26/08/2023, 08:22) Like (21) Dislike (2) Reply
    At this stage, we are beyond negotiations because the representatives are unreasonable and think Government is their personal piggy bank. The land has been used for public purpose; hence, it needs to be taken by compulsory acquisition. If the Government does not want to move forward with it, then give up the land let them rent it to park boats, garages etc. I guarantee you they won't collect half the rent that they are asking for. There are many options available to Government to move horse-racing forward in this Territory. They already have two options available to move the track.
  • big brother (26/08/2023, 10:05) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    I must agree with Julian willock showed needs all the help he can get
  • taxpayer (26/08/2023, 13:38) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    The Thomas family wants far too much for rent. I say no, not necessary or really profitable for two or three events a year.
  • lodger (26/08/2023, 17:01) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Your god is perfect and makes no mistakes. He created everything … yes willock we need prayers, negotiations and reasonable expectations
  • Sam (26/08/2023, 17:42) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Paying what they are asking is not in the public’s interest. Government needs to move forward with taking the land (give the family fair compensation) or finding a new location. I am not a horse racing fan but know that the situation is rediculous.
  • pat (27/08/2023, 07:44) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Willock It feels fresh and interesting but money makes the mere runs!!! Pay the family
  • Hmmmm (28/08/2023, 19:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Government behaving like they don't know the law...land for recreational purpose. Go read it up...Title and deed fo look it up. This is easy to be resolved


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