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Sept. 7, 2007 – Senator Celestino A. White Sr. expressed his thanks today to Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. for his prompt action on the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack following Senator White's letter on the matter last week.
"The Governor and I continue to be of the same mind set regarding getting horse racing back on track in St. Thomas," said Senator White. "In my letter to the Governor last week, I urged him to get on the fast track to approve the architectural and engineering plans."
Senator White first wrote the Governor regarding the track on May 7, 2007. At that time he pointed out to Governor deJongh that $2.5 million dollars in funding for the track's renovation had been approved by the 26th Legislature. The monies were released for use early this year.
"I am only disappointed that it took from last year June until now to move on the plans," said Senator White. "I understand how the change in administration disrupted things but I am happy that the Governor is now pushing forward in the right direction."
The new timeline has construction on the track scheduled for summer of 2008. Senator White is urging horse owners and horse racing fans to stay involved with the process and to continue to offer suggestions and assistance as the process moves forward.
"I have already asked Governor deJongh to not allow this outstanding tradition to whither and die because of government bureaucracy," said Senator White. "Immediately the Governor responded by signing the contracts for architectural and engineering plans."
On behalf of the thousands of loyal horse racing fans, the Horse Owners Association of St. Thomas and the St. Thomas/St.John Horse Racing Commission, Senator White is asking the Governor to be there for the call, "They are off and running", only this time on a newly furbished Clinton E. Phipps Race Track; hopefully not too far in the distant future, concluded Senator White.
