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Democratic Majority Overcomes Major Hurdle in Jump Starting St. Croix's Economy
March 28, 2003 – St. Croix is finally in the initial stages of realizing a convention center and 400-room resort hotel in the great pond area. Members of the 25th Legislature met with the governor on 3/22/03 to discuss his reluctance in committing to a partnership with Golden Gaming that will insure this important project takes hold.
Upon receiving word that the governor considered the partnership between Golden Gaming and the government of the Virgin Islands a risky venture, members of the 25th Legislature, in particular the democratic senators of St. Croix supported by the democratic majority and Senator Carlton Dowe, a minority senator from the district of St. Thomas/St. John met with the governor to urge him to support this measure.
Senator Ronald Russell, as well as his St. Croix senators were very persuasive in their arguments to the governor in support of this project. In fact, Senator Russell impressed upon the governor that despite the economic hardships facing the territory, this project needs to proceed to insure the future stability of the economy and the life of the island of St. Croix in particular.
Senator Russell stated his case very concisely, "regardless of the hardship, it is imperative that this project be funded. This hotel must be built in order to put Virgin Islanders to work in the construction phase through and beyond the grand opening of this hotel casino. We can not afford to have this project stymied by lack of funds, threat of war, or any other roadblock that may stand in the way of the opening of golden gaming resorts," continued Senator Russell.
"I look forward the groundbreaking as well as the opening of the new hotel/casino/resort," said Senator Russell, "the new money, the events and entertainment that this project will bring to the Virgin Islands, especially St. Croix will be a welcome respite in this economic dry season," concluded Senator Russell.
