Unity Gov’t cancelled contract with Thomas family; Accused of misleading public - Thomas family says ban on horse racetrack came as a result of Gov’t 'unilaterally' terminating contract

SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- There has been much speculation regarding the ban on the use of the Virgin Islands (VI) only venue for horse racing, Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay, due to the lack of information provided to the public. This has also resulted in persons making misguided claims and even threats to the Thomas family.

Now, Elaine M. Thomas-Griffith, the daughter of the late Ellis Thomas, has decided to bring some clarity on the matter, in an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online.

Thomas-Griffith said a lot has played out in the media and public over the years regarding the leasing of Ellis Thomas Downs and her family has sought to remain silent to preserve a harmonious relationship with Government.

Thomas family ‘not the public enemy’

However, with confirmed threats being made to the Thomas’ family over the issue, Thomas-Griffith said that is a “line of demarcation” for the family that has been crossed.

She said the Thomas family is not the “public enemy” but simply persons who are landowners and who historically have made their land available for horse racing and, through her late father, have promoted the sport for decades.

In a bombshell disclosure, Thomas-Griffith told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) that it was recently Government invited the family to a meeting and announced that the leasing agreement between Government and the Thomas’ family was terminated.

The meeting allegedly involved Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) members of the Attorney General’s chambers, and other representatives of government, whose involvement and portfolio involve crown lands.

The three elected representatives; however, excused themselves from the meeting before the announcement was made; however, our newsroom was reliably informed that they were aware of the decision to cancel the agreement with the Thomas family.