Casino Control Commission Says Senators Misinformed on VIGL Fines

V.I. Casino Control Commission Chairman and CEO Marvin L. Pickering and Vice Chairman Usie R. Richards issued a statement Wednesday in response to comments by Sen. Kurt Vialet in a story Dec. 10 about Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s veto of a bill to remove a licensing stipulation that casinos construct a banquet facility able to accommodate a minimum of 400 people.

“While the Commission recognizes the importance of conducting business through the channels established by Law, the Commission finds it necessary to address statements that are inaccurate, misleading, and have the potential to undermine the integrity of the office, its functions, and its members,” Pickering said in the statement.

Vialet’s comments to the Source, sent via text message, said that “the fines amount to $30,000 per month and a mandatory performance bond of $300,000 within 14 days for the construction of a facility,’” and are patently false and incorrect, said Pickering.

“As per the Commission’s ORDER issued on November 10, 2021, the Commission issued a penalty for VIGL’s failure to comply with an ORDER of the Commission after being granted a one-year period (July 14, 2020 to July 14, 2021) to come into compliance with the provisions of 32 VIC, Chapter 21, §435(b)(A), which is a requirement for a Casino License and Operating Certificate,” according to the commission’s statement Wednesday.