Jan. 30, 2003 – Community activists will be taking to the streets again on Friday protesting one government action and calling for another. The issue this time is the legalization of video lottery operations, and demonstrations are being coordinated to occur simultaneously — beginning at 5 p.m. — near the Government House sites on both St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Earlier this month, protesters were instrumental in persuading Gov. Charles W. Turnbull to veto legislation exorbitantly hiking his, the lieutenant governor's and legislators' salaries. Demonstrations in opposition to the raises were mounted at the governor's inaugural ceremonies on St. Thomas, outside a post-inaugural reception on St. John, at post-inaugural ceremonies on St. Croix and prior to his delivery of the State of the Territory address on St. Thomas.
One of the groups behind the pay-hike opposition movement, the United Virgin Islands Action Coalition, among the community organizations now mobilizing in opposition to the 24th Legislature's Dec. 23 override of Turnbull's veto of the bill legalizing VLT operations in the St. Thomas-St. John district.
Dr. Chenzira Kahina, a coalition member and organizer, said she is expecting a large turnout at Friday's Christiansted protest. Members of the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce, Our Virgin Islands Labor Union, Per Ankh, St. Croix Alive, the Crucian Coalition, the St. Croix Board of Realtors and several private business owners have pledged their support, he said.
For the St. Croix protest, the groups will meet, wearing black clothing or black armbands, at the bandstand at Fort Christiansvaern, she said.
On St. Thomas, Kahina said, Citizens for a Fiscally Responsible Government and members of Concerned Native Virgin Islanders plan to protest outside Fort Christian.
"The VLT issue is really particularly negative for St. Croix, but it also has a far-reaching impact for St. Thomas too," she said. "The way the VLT law stands now, there is no regulation of the machines' placement."
Turnbull has vetoed VLT legislation three times. On Jan. 22, in response to public outcry over the Senate's override, Turnbull sent down legislation to repeal the new law.
Whether the 25th Legislature will reverse the actions of the 24th and comply with the governor's wishes is unclear. The Senate has five new members, and several have yet to take a stand on the issue. See "Odds uncertain on prospects for VLT repeal".)
But citizens staunchly against video lottery operations plan to assert their position Friday in what activist Terrence Nelson said will likely be a noisy demonstration, at least on St. Croix.
"It should be apparent to the public that there is a need to keep these video lottery machines out of our community," Nelson said. He added that he anticipates appearances by some senators who may not have publicly stated their position so far.
Curtis Robinson, the developer behind the proposed $540 million Seven Hills Beach Resort and Casino on St. Croix's Robin Bay, has said VLT's, even on St. Thomas and St. John, jeopardize investors' interest in financing his project.
Video lottery operations "could be hindering the progress of something that may actually tremendously benefit St. Croix," Nelson said, referring to the Robin Bay plans. "Not that I'm promoting casino gambling, but along with that, the proposal would add hotel rooms badly needed if we are to pursue tourists visiting here."
Nelson said the politicians responsible for pushing VLT's have not sounded out the general feelings of the St. Thomas populace. Residents are concerned about the machines popping up all over the island, not just in areas of high tourist traffic, he said.
Senate President David Jones has been a strong proponent of video lottery operations from the start, saying they will yield the government needed revenues.
Nelson, however, said the projected $15 million in annual income from the machines may not be new dollars, but those of locals.
"If the government at this point is fighting to find new revenue, the need is to look at cutting waste or fictional expenses," Nelson said. "And I'm referring to the bloated $14.2 million payroll filled with 'goat' employees — or people who may not even be working for the government."
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
