FRASER HONORS HOMETOWN HERO: ELLIS THOMAS
WHO WAS ELLIS THOMAS?
Honorable Ralph T. O’Neal; Premier
Members of the Cabinet
Members of the House of Assembly
Honorable Charles Turnbull; Former Gov. USVI
Our Honoree
Invited Guests
Good afternoon,
It is said, that it is easy to sit up and take notice. What is difficult is standing up and taking action.
Today we are here celebrating the fact that someone stood up and took that action. Today we are celebrating enthusiasm, commitment and sheer hard work.
Enthusiasm is often neglected as a force. But yet without it there would be few achievements. Enthusiasm you see, sets fire to the imagination. It asks “What if?” And If I did?” and the results depend on the answer to those questions.
Today, we are honoring a man who asked those questions and committed himself to finding the answers. We are honoring a man who worked late into the evening and early in the morning. We are about to honor a man who wouldn’t take “No” for an answer.
It was Ellis’ enthusiasm at the early age of 24, that drove him into an agreement in 1943 to take possession of this estate, and for the next decade with his dad at his side, he took the bold step and purchased it outright in 1953.
Purchasing the estate did not come easily for Ellis however, as he was forced as a matter of necessity, to physically divorce himself from it and migrate to St. Thomas. And there in typical B V Islander style, he worked hard, conducted himself with dignity, and got down to the business at hand: which was to earn that much needed money to payoff for the estate.
As he puts it, there were many obstacles in his way, both here and in St. Thomas, but given his enthusiasm, he was not to be denied. Given his youth, persons in position on Tortola questioned his ability to commit to such an undertaking with any degree of success.
In St. Thomas he was denied credit at all levels for reasons of fear, a fear that he proved not only to be misguided, but also unfounded. All he was seeking was to capitalize on established financial lending practices.
These are not just words; this is the context in which Ellis the man evolved through the making of this sport. He didn’t get here by way of exercising an acquisition option through wealth; he didn’t get here using influence through political popularity; instead he go here because he earned it.
While Ellis was in St. Thomas earning cash to pay off for the estate, his dad Ebenezer was here as caretaker, and together they formed a potent combination which led to the creation of these Downs.
To put that dogged task into perspective, Ellis in explaining to me what this estate was like prior to its development, proclaimed that it was so wooded, that when they cleared it and was completed processing the wood into charcoal, they netted upwards of 45 bags in total.
This backdrop is significant, and it is worth noting. The significance of this history is to educate the self-righteous; and the Johnny-come-lately critics of today’s undertakings, to the fact that this establishment was built from scratch.
It was built by the enthusiasm of one man. And I don’t want to be misunderstood: the operative word here is enthusiasm, Ellis didn’t do it alone, he had help, lots of help. His father helped, his family helped, his friends helped, and yes the Government helped, but it was his enthusiasm that made it all possible.
So he owns the land upon which the Track sat, but what did all that have to do with the sport of horseracing: you may ask.
What I can offer in that regard, is that Ellis enthusiasm to own the land was equally matched by his enthusiasm for the sport of horseracing. As a matter of fact, as things turned out, it is hard to tell whether he got involved in the sport because he had the land; or he got the land to develop the sport. If you can answer the riddle of the Chicken and the Egg, then you know the answer.
Horseracing has recently witnessed its 50th anniversary in Sea Cows Bay, and that’s due largely in part to Ellis enthusiasm in pursuing the then Commissioner Thompson to dedicate a day for horseracing in Sea Cows Bay. That day is now an official holiday every Tuesday following the first Monday in August.
Having to migrate to St. Thomas to earn money on account of the estate’s purchase, was not always all about disappointments and hard work however, it also brought some notoriety to Ellis, for as he tells me, he once met up close, and in person, the most powerful man on earth.
My research confirmed that President Harry S. Truman of the United States of America did visit the United States Virgin Islands on February 22nd 1948 aboard the Williamsburg. And it was during that visit he unveiled a plaque commemorating the one hundredth anniversary of the freeing of the slaves in the Virgin Islands. It also revealed that at 12:30 p.m. his official party was taken to the Bluebeard Castle Hotel where they were guests of Governor Hastie at a stag luncheon. And further, my research also shows that Ellis was the waiter who served the President.
So if at anytime in your dealings with Ellis you may have discern a chip on his should and you thought it was because he owned this estate, you may have been wrong.
To fully appreciate Ellis enthusiasm for horseracing, you almost had to be a young male growing up in Sea Cows Bay in the late 50s, and 60s. This was when everything, or almost everything took place on the grounds of these estates.
I remember the days leading up to the August Tuesday races and the many preparations made. There was the screening of the track from viewers on the street. At first Coconut Palms were utilized along the fence, but were of no deterrence to the determined intruder. Then came burlap sheets. This thick brown cloth stitched together to form a continuous sheet along the fence, was far more effective, but evidently prohibitively expensive.
Despite its screening ability however, it had other shortcomings beside cost, not the least of which was its inability to bar access to the periphery along the fence. This proved to be a major flaw for it allowing the determined gatecrasher to go as far as climb the trees and look over the screen. This practice was so out of hand sometimes, that were it not for Ellis’ forceful actions of literally pulling people down from trees, they would have made a mockery of his efforts to generate revenue from the gate.
There were a number of persons at the time of the screens who felt passionate about having some right to evade paying a fee to see the races: particularly people from Sea Cows Bay in my age grouping at the time. We had entering the track for free down to a science, despite the risk of being caught. Many times we would get caught, but that simply led to a more creative attempt at reentering, a feat which always resulted in success.
Allow me if I may to shift gears for a moment, as I crave you indulgence, and relate that not everything happening at the estate in the early years were race related. We played Softball here, we played Cricket here, we did Track and Field here, and we raced Cars here, all done at no cost whatsoever. Sometimes not even the courtesy of a thank you. And oh yes, we also made use of his mangoes when they were in season, much to the displeasure of his father.
As boys coming to the estate were never to Ellis benefit, for starters, we would always enter and leave the grounds at the nearest convenient point, which meant we rarely use the gate. We would by necessity trample the grass: which his cattle badly needed for grazing. We always helped ourselves to the fruits: which his father needed to sell. We didn’t always conduct ourselves respectfully, but yet he put up with us.
What kind of a man would give so much to his community in return for nothing, at a time when few if any other did? Who would refuse such a person this honor for giving so much? I guess you have to be someone who doesn’t know Ellis’ enthusiasm for the sport, for his community, for his people and for life. But why should he be deprived of a well deserved honor because of someone’s ignorance?
For me this mission began exactly ten years ago when Ellis first approached me and expressed his wish to have the track bear his name. I considered it, I thought it appropriate, and I pursued it.
I recall my dealings with Ellis in the months leading up to the 1999 general elections, where despite having two of his relatives in the race for District Representative; he opted to support the third candidate with whom he had a Horseracing Relationship and no family ties. Being his first cousin, you could imagine the message I got. It tells me that his enthusiasm for horseracing can transcend family if it becomes necessary.
In the decade that followed, Ellis and I grew closer and closer as family and as friends. He has become a source of historic resource, an adviser, and a person whom I admire.
For the first four years in office I had the good fortune of being a part of the ruling administration, and was making good strides towards fulfilling his wish. We were able to build this Grandstand, train and cover this portion of the Gut, but faith was not kind to us as we lost the Government in the 2003 General Election.
For the next four years instead of making progress in that regard, if you ask me, I would tell you that I slipped quite a bit. During that same period I began to grow concern for Ellis on account of his age, and his ability to see this day.
I recall 2004 how he really expressed his wish to see the event take place that year, because there was an anticipated larger than usual contingent of family and friends coming to the track from overseas that year on account of the 50th anniversary of Festival in the BVI.
Unfortunately, despite raising the idea with the powers that be, it did not happen. I was helpless, because I was in the Opposition and without influence.
Then came the 2007 General Elections and once again I am a part of the ruling Administration, and learning from my experience I took nothing to chance and decided to move on the initiative with haste.
I knew this day would come, for I have been down this road before and I have come true for my constituents in matters like this. My constituents remain among the most creative there are, when it comes to making requests of me.
I have had one constituent in their 90s who after agreeing to give land for road construction went on to insist upon putting the onus on me to get them their compensation before they die. For me it was incredibly unnerving, for I had little control over when Government would pay, and no control whatsoever over when they would die, but instead, I ended up with all the worries of having not to deprive them of their dying wish.
I have had a constituent call me to their home and demand that upon their death, a certain duty be executed. I am left feeling obligated to them, because they believe in me, but what control do I have over who goes first?
Ellis came close to raising that special level of consciousness in many ways at many times, and I felt that pressure everyday from others, as they reminded me that he was getting up in age.
On Thursday in the morning of April 2nd I went to look for him and was told he had left with the nurse who checks on him from time to time. In the afternoon I went back and was then told he hadn’t return. Upon calling around I learned he was to return later that same evening so I felt relieved. The following day I called on him, and after finally meeting with him I became assured of his wellbeing.
To appreciate the natural beauty of this facility, one has to indulge them self in venturing high into the hills surrounding this valley for a bird’s eye view, and allow their minds to concentrate as they experience what must be the most picture perfect racetrack in the region, complements of its infield Downs.
After today’s unveiling, Ellis Thomas Downs will be listed among such others as: Georgian Downs, Churchill Downs, Anthony Downs, Ocean Downs, Indianapolis Downs, Atokad Downs, Dixon Downs, Great Lakes Down, Colonial Downs, Suffolk Downs, Jefferson Downs, and Bandera Downs: to name a few, that are referred to by their preeminent feature rather than their function.
We know that to reach world ranking we have a long, long ways to go. It will require a lot of money and a lot of commitment. We may not have the money yet, but it is our hope that we can use this initiative as an inspiration to further develop the infield Downs into its full potential.
These facilities have come to the Government of the Virgin Islands at tremendous costs for their development, but there were mistakes along the way and very costly ones indeed, in that we failed to: first, complete the development; second, maintain the facility properly; and third, develop a policy for the sport.
As Representative for this District, I am pleased to report that I have successfully convinced the Minister for Communications and Works that it was in our collective best interest to have the works started on this Platform in 2001 completed before the 2009 August Tuesday Races.
And further, I can recall that before leaving office in 2003, an architect was commissioned to design the underside of the Grandstand Seating to provide for the amenities that are normal for a Racetrack, so I shall endeavor to locate that file and move towards implementing those portions of the proposal that are appropriate.
Each time there is a function such as this, we get the usual cries about why don’t we do something about this place. We hear people tell us what a money maker it is. But we never challenge them.
I am convinced of two things, one: is that something has to be done with the facility if it is to survive; the other is: that it can survive: and handsomely I might add, if we are prepared to compromise.
Gone are the days when this facility could expect to survive by relying exclusively on Government subsidies, particularly in times like these, when our expenditures are growing, and our revenue base is under attack by the Global Financial Downturn.
We have to be creative from here forward; we have a facility with a name that can play big on any world stage. We ought to use it. Ellis Thomas Downs can play well at Belmont in New York, and vice versa. It is a sales and marketing tool called simulcasting.
Across the world Racetracks are homes to such things as Casinos, Hotels, Exquisite Restaurants, Great Shopping and other Family oriented facilities, and the reason is simple. It is because horseracing in and of itself is not sufficient a commercial draw to sustain the facility it requires.
The BVI is far from being an exception, so it is in this vein that I advocate the establishment of a Management Board, much like that of Prospect Reef Resort with the express mandate to making the facility economically viable.
The time has come when Government must take a stand, much like Ellis did in 1943, and decide upon the form of support if can sustain for the Sport. My view is that any direct subsidy should be made to a Government sanctioned body much like the Management Board referred to earlier.
Additionally, nothing good can be expected in the absence of rules, especially from an organization. Therefore it is in good order for me to insist on the formation of a Racing Commission.
This Commission shall be charged with the power to promulgate rules and regulations for the forceful control of race meetings, and to enforce such rules and regulations for the conduct of race meetings.
The stated objectives of such rules and regulations shall be to maintain race meetings at the highest quality and free of any horseracing practices which are corrupt, incompetent, dishonest, or unprincipled. And among others, not the least of which, is the generation of public revenue.
Let me express my gratitude to some of the people whom I relied upon to make this day possible. First, is to the 3rd District Committee for giving me the mandate to move the initiative. Second, is to the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands for approving the Re-Naming Committee.
Third, is to the Honorable Premier for moving the Motion in the House of Assembly to give the Track its new name. Fourth, is to my colleagues in the House of Assembly for passing the Motion.
Certainly, a special thanks to the Re-Naming Committee for an emerald job. Also thanks to the staffs at the Ministry of Communications and Works, and at the Premier’s Office. And last but by no means least, to my wife Kharid for her insight, and her patients.
Finally, after hearing the review of the life of Ellis Thomas, if I was asked what experience would I want you to take away from here today, it would be that you take as your motto the words of Pearl S. Buick who said, “All things are possible until they are proved impossible, and even the impossible may only be so as of now”.
Ellis, it wasn’t Lady Lucky who smiled on you And brought you here,
Instead it was your hard work.
So today we clap and cheer,
Because you’ve done it the hard way,
You’ve worked both day and night
Found answers to your questions,
and got your sums all right.
Today is your day in the sun
We’re proud of you and what you’ve done
We think that you deserve to be A winner
And we’ll let it be reported far and wide
That you’ve Searched, Achieved, and is now Rewarded.
Thank You
Members of the Cabinet
Members of the House of Assembly
Honorable Charles Turnbull; Former Gov. USVI
Our Honoree
Invited Guests
Good afternoon,
It is said, that it is easy to sit up and take notice. What is difficult is standing up and taking action.
Today we are here celebrating the fact that someone stood up and took that action. Today we are celebrating enthusiasm, commitment and sheer hard work.
Enthusiasm is often neglected as a force. But yet without it there would be few achievements. Enthusiasm you see, sets fire to the imagination. It asks “What if?” And If I did?” and the results depend on the answer to those questions.
Today, we are honoring a man who asked those questions and committed himself to finding the answers. We are honoring a man who worked late into the evening and early in the morning. We are about to honor a man who wouldn’t take “No” for an answer.
It was Ellis’ enthusiasm at the early age of 24, that drove him into an agreement in 1943 to take possession of this estate, and for the next decade with his dad at his side, he took the bold step and purchased it outright in 1953.
Purchasing the estate did not come easily for Ellis however, as he was forced as a matter of necessity, to physically divorce himself from it and migrate to St. Thomas. And there in typical B V Islander style, he worked hard, conducted himself with dignity, and got down to the business at hand: which was to earn that much needed money to payoff for the estate.
As he puts it, there were many obstacles in his way, both here and in St. Thomas, but given his enthusiasm, he was not to be denied. Given his youth, persons in position on Tortola questioned his ability to commit to such an undertaking with any degree of success.
In St. Thomas he was denied credit at all levels for reasons of fear, a fear that he proved not only to be misguided, but also unfounded. All he was seeking was to capitalize on established financial lending practices.
These are not just words; this is the context in which Ellis the man evolved through the making of this sport. He didn’t get here by way of exercising an acquisition option through wealth; he didn’t get here using influence through political popularity; instead he go here because he earned it.
While Ellis was in St. Thomas earning cash to pay off for the estate, his dad Ebenezer was here as caretaker, and together they formed a potent combination which led to the creation of these Downs.
To put that dogged task into perspective, Ellis in explaining to me what this estate was like prior to its development, proclaimed that it was so wooded, that when they cleared it and was completed processing the wood into charcoal, they netted upwards of 45 bags in total.
This backdrop is significant, and it is worth noting. The significance of this history is to educate the self-righteous; and the Johnny-come-lately critics of today’s undertakings, to the fact that this establishment was built from scratch.
It was built by the enthusiasm of one man. And I don’t want to be misunderstood: the operative word here is enthusiasm, Ellis didn’t do it alone, he had help, lots of help. His father helped, his family helped, his friends helped, and yes the Government helped, but it was his enthusiasm that made it all possible.
So he owns the land upon which the Track sat, but what did all that have to do with the sport of horseracing: you may ask.
What I can offer in that regard, is that Ellis enthusiasm to own the land was equally matched by his enthusiasm for the sport of horseracing. As a matter of fact, as things turned out, it is hard to tell whether he got involved in the sport because he had the land; or he got the land to develop the sport. If you can answer the riddle of the Chicken and the Egg, then you know the answer.
Horseracing has recently witnessed its 50th anniversary in Sea Cows Bay, and that’s due largely in part to Ellis enthusiasm in pursuing the then Commissioner Thompson to dedicate a day for horseracing in Sea Cows Bay. That day is now an official holiday every Tuesday following the first Monday in August.
Having to migrate to St. Thomas to earn money on account of the estate’s purchase, was not always all about disappointments and hard work however, it also brought some notoriety to Ellis, for as he tells me, he once met up close, and in person, the most powerful man on earth.
My research confirmed that President Harry S. Truman of the United States of America did visit the United States Virgin Islands on February 22nd 1948 aboard the Williamsburg. And it was during that visit he unveiled a plaque commemorating the one hundredth anniversary of the freeing of the slaves in the Virgin Islands. It also revealed that at 12:30 p.m. his official party was taken to the Bluebeard Castle Hotel where they were guests of Governor Hastie at a stag luncheon. And further, my research also shows that Ellis was the waiter who served the President.
So if at anytime in your dealings with Ellis you may have discern a chip on his should and you thought it was because he owned this estate, you may have been wrong.
To fully appreciate Ellis enthusiasm for horseracing, you almost had to be a young male growing up in Sea Cows Bay in the late 50s, and 60s. This was when everything, or almost everything took place on the grounds of these estates.
I remember the days leading up to the August Tuesday races and the many preparations made. There was the screening of the track from viewers on the street. At first Coconut Palms were utilized along the fence, but were of no deterrence to the determined intruder. Then came burlap sheets. This thick brown cloth stitched together to form a continuous sheet along the fence, was far more effective, but evidently prohibitively expensive.
Despite its screening ability however, it had other shortcomings beside cost, not the least of which was its inability to bar access to the periphery along the fence. This proved to be a major flaw for it allowing the determined gatecrasher to go as far as climb the trees and look over the screen. This practice was so out of hand sometimes, that were it not for Ellis’ forceful actions of literally pulling people down from trees, they would have made a mockery of his efforts to generate revenue from the gate.
There were a number of persons at the time of the screens who felt passionate about having some right to evade paying a fee to see the races: particularly people from Sea Cows Bay in my age grouping at the time. We had entering the track for free down to a science, despite the risk of being caught. Many times we would get caught, but that simply led to a more creative attempt at reentering, a feat which always resulted in success.
Allow me if I may to shift gears for a moment, as I crave you indulgence, and relate that not everything happening at the estate in the early years were race related. We played Softball here, we played Cricket here, we did Track and Field here, and we raced Cars here, all done at no cost whatsoever. Sometimes not even the courtesy of a thank you. And oh yes, we also made use of his mangoes when they were in season, much to the displeasure of his father.
As boys coming to the estate were never to Ellis benefit, for starters, we would always enter and leave the grounds at the nearest convenient point, which meant we rarely use the gate. We would by necessity trample the grass: which his cattle badly needed for grazing. We always helped ourselves to the fruits: which his father needed to sell. We didn’t always conduct ourselves respectfully, but yet he put up with us.
What kind of a man would give so much to his community in return for nothing, at a time when few if any other did? Who would refuse such a person this honor for giving so much? I guess you have to be someone who doesn’t know Ellis’ enthusiasm for the sport, for his community, for his people and for life. But why should he be deprived of a well deserved honor because of someone’s ignorance?
For me this mission began exactly ten years ago when Ellis first approached me and expressed his wish to have the track bear his name. I considered it, I thought it appropriate, and I pursued it.
I recall my dealings with Ellis in the months leading up to the 1999 general elections, where despite having two of his relatives in the race for District Representative; he opted to support the third candidate with whom he had a Horseracing Relationship and no family ties. Being his first cousin, you could imagine the message I got. It tells me that his enthusiasm for horseracing can transcend family if it becomes necessary.
In the decade that followed, Ellis and I grew closer and closer as family and as friends. He has become a source of historic resource, an adviser, and a person whom I admire.
For the first four years in office I had the good fortune of being a part of the ruling administration, and was making good strides towards fulfilling his wish. We were able to build this Grandstand, train and cover this portion of the Gut, but faith was not kind to us as we lost the Government in the 2003 General Election.
For the next four years instead of making progress in that regard, if you ask me, I would tell you that I slipped quite a bit. During that same period I began to grow concern for Ellis on account of his age, and his ability to see this day.
I recall 2004 how he really expressed his wish to see the event take place that year, because there was an anticipated larger than usual contingent of family and friends coming to the track from overseas that year on account of the 50th anniversary of Festival in the BVI.
Unfortunately, despite raising the idea with the powers that be, it did not happen. I was helpless, because I was in the Opposition and without influence.
Then came the 2007 General Elections and once again I am a part of the ruling Administration, and learning from my experience I took nothing to chance and decided to move on the initiative with haste.
I knew this day would come, for I have been down this road before and I have come true for my constituents in matters like this. My constituents remain among the most creative there are, when it comes to making requests of me.
I have had one constituent in their 90s who after agreeing to give land for road construction went on to insist upon putting the onus on me to get them their compensation before they die. For me it was incredibly unnerving, for I had little control over when Government would pay, and no control whatsoever over when they would die, but instead, I ended up with all the worries of having not to deprive them of their dying wish.
I have had a constituent call me to their home and demand that upon their death, a certain duty be executed. I am left feeling obligated to them, because they believe in me, but what control do I have over who goes first?
Ellis came close to raising that special level of consciousness in many ways at many times, and I felt that pressure everyday from others, as they reminded me that he was getting up in age.
On Thursday in the morning of April 2nd I went to look for him and was told he had left with the nurse who checks on him from time to time. In the afternoon I went back and was then told he hadn’t return. Upon calling around I learned he was to return later that same evening so I felt relieved. The following day I called on him, and after finally meeting with him I became assured of his wellbeing.
To appreciate the natural beauty of this facility, one has to indulge them self in venturing high into the hills surrounding this valley for a bird’s eye view, and allow their minds to concentrate as they experience what must be the most picture perfect racetrack in the region, complements of its infield Downs.
After today’s unveiling, Ellis Thomas Downs will be listed among such others as: Georgian Downs, Churchill Downs, Anthony Downs, Ocean Downs, Indianapolis Downs, Atokad Downs, Dixon Downs, Great Lakes Down, Colonial Downs, Suffolk Downs, Jefferson Downs, and Bandera Downs: to name a few, that are referred to by their preeminent feature rather than their function.
We know that to reach world ranking we have a long, long ways to go. It will require a lot of money and a lot of commitment. We may not have the money yet, but it is our hope that we can use this initiative as an inspiration to further develop the infield Downs into its full potential.
These facilities have come to the Government of the Virgin Islands at tremendous costs for their development, but there were mistakes along the way and very costly ones indeed, in that we failed to: first, complete the development; second, maintain the facility properly; and third, develop a policy for the sport.
As Representative for this District, I am pleased to report that I have successfully convinced the Minister for Communications and Works that it was in our collective best interest to have the works started on this Platform in 2001 completed before the 2009 August Tuesday Races.
And further, I can recall that before leaving office in 2003, an architect was commissioned to design the underside of the Grandstand Seating to provide for the amenities that are normal for a Racetrack, so I shall endeavor to locate that file and move towards implementing those portions of the proposal that are appropriate.
Each time there is a function such as this, we get the usual cries about why don’t we do something about this place. We hear people tell us what a money maker it is. But we never challenge them.
I am convinced of two things, one: is that something has to be done with the facility if it is to survive; the other is: that it can survive: and handsomely I might add, if we are prepared to compromise.
Gone are the days when this facility could expect to survive by relying exclusively on Government subsidies, particularly in times like these, when our expenditures are growing, and our revenue base is under attack by the Global Financial Downturn.
We have to be creative from here forward; we have a facility with a name that can play big on any world stage. We ought to use it. Ellis Thomas Downs can play well at Belmont in New York, and vice versa. It is a sales and marketing tool called simulcasting.
Across the world Racetracks are homes to such things as Casinos, Hotels, Exquisite Restaurants, Great Shopping and other Family oriented facilities, and the reason is simple. It is because horseracing in and of itself is not sufficient a commercial draw to sustain the facility it requires.
The BVI is far from being an exception, so it is in this vein that I advocate the establishment of a Management Board, much like that of Prospect Reef Resort with the express mandate to making the facility economically viable.
The time has come when Government must take a stand, much like Ellis did in 1943, and decide upon the form of support if can sustain for the Sport. My view is that any direct subsidy should be made to a Government sanctioned body much like the Management Board referred to earlier.
Additionally, nothing good can be expected in the absence of rules, especially from an organization. Therefore it is in good order for me to insist on the formation of a Racing Commission.
This Commission shall be charged with the power to promulgate rules and regulations for the forceful control of race meetings, and to enforce such rules and regulations for the conduct of race meetings.
The stated objectives of such rules and regulations shall be to maintain race meetings at the highest quality and free of any horseracing practices which are corrupt, incompetent, dishonest, or unprincipled. And among others, not the least of which, is the generation of public revenue.
Let me express my gratitude to some of the people whom I relied upon to make this day possible. First, is to the 3rd District Committee for giving me the mandate to move the initiative. Second, is to the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands for approving the Re-Naming Committee.
Third, is to the Honorable Premier for moving the Motion in the House of Assembly to give the Track its new name. Fourth, is to my colleagues in the House of Assembly for passing the Motion.
Certainly, a special thanks to the Re-Naming Committee for an emerald job. Also thanks to the staffs at the Ministry of Communications and Works, and at the Premier’s Office. And last but by no means least, to my wife Kharid for her insight, and her patients.
Finally, after hearing the review of the life of Ellis Thomas, if I was asked what experience would I want you to take away from here today, it would be that you take as your motto the words of Pearl S. Buick who said, “All things are possible until they are proved impossible, and even the impossible may only be so as of now”.
Ellis, it wasn’t Lady Lucky who smiled on you And brought you here,
Instead it was your hard work.
So today we clap and cheer,
Because you’ve done it the hard way,
You’ve worked both day and night
Found answers to your questions,
and got your sums all right.
Today is your day in the sun
We’re proud of you and what you’ve done
We think that you deserve to be A winner
And we’ll let it be reported far and wide
That you’ve Searched, Achieved, and is now Rewarded.
Thank You
Fraser at The Podium
Fraser Delivers the Feature Address at The Dedication Ceremony
For Ellis Thomas Downs, at which the Horse Racing Track was
Named in the Honor of Ellis Thomas.
Ellis Thomas is easily recognized as the FATHER of MODERN DAY
HORSE RACING in the British Virgin Islands
For Ellis Thomas Downs, at which the Horse Racing Track was
Named in the Honor of Ellis Thomas.
Ellis Thomas is easily recognized as the FATHER of MODERN DAY
HORSE RACING in the British Virgin Islands
School Children Representing The Future
Children from The Village Ebenezer Thomas Primary School
Makes their contribution to the Naming Ceremony.
Ebenezer was the father of Ellis
Makes their contribution to the Naming Ceremony.
Ebenezer was the father of Ellis
The Running Surface and Grandstand
Ellis Thomas Downs Middle Ground, with Grand Stands on the Right. This 3000 seat Grandstand was built during Fraser's First Term in Office
The Passing of Our District Hero: ELLIS THOMAS
MEMBER
OF THE
FIRST HOUSE OF ASSEMBBLY
OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
A TRIBUTE TO ELLIS THOMAS
By
Hon. Julian Fraser, RA
Representative District 3
And Minister for Communications and Works
It is amazing how two people could share a common heritage, and lived as long as Ellis and I have, before appreciating the beauty that existed in him. Ellis’ mother was my aunt, and my father was his uncle, but if I told you I knew that before I was a grown man, I might be lying to you. And what a loss that was.
It was a loss realized upon discovering the beauty in the man, a beauty I was only able to experience within the last decade. In a sense, the love he showed for me has gone a long way to humble me.
So it is with that sense of humility and the highest consciousness of privilege and honour, that I pay tribute to Ellis Thomas the Man; My Cousin; My Friend; A Stalwart in the Community; An Accomplished Entrepreneur; and above all, A Family Man.
The BVI has without question lost the father of BVI horseracing, and it is not because no one loved the sport like he did, it is because he had more to give the sport than anyone else. To fully appreciate Ellis’ enthusiasm for horseracing, you almost had to be a young male growing up in Sea Cows Bay in the late 50s, and 60s, for this was when everything, or almost everything took place on the grounds of his Estate at the Race Track. I am happy to have been of that era.
Ellis has been a formidable figure in the arena of politics in the BVI, particularly on the District level. And his many years spent in the United States Virgin Islands enabled him to have brought a peculiarly interesting dimension to our political culture, a peculiarity that caused him to have been the most highly sought after supporter by any candidate for office.
He was never afraid to let you know where he stood on an issue, and while he was careful to remain friendly, he was never afraid to offend. And for that he was respected. There was no hypocrisy in Ellis.
Ellis lived a life I would encourage anyone to emulate. He loved his family like no one else could. I recall that afternoon at the Race Track Naming Ceremony when it came time for his moment in the sun, Ellis selflessly called all his children, and grandchildren to the stage and told the world how much they meant to him.
Those are the memories that last, because they mean so much.
I was happy on that April afternoon in 2009, the 19th to be exact, when he was able to stand on the Stage before the world and said “thank you”, when the Horse Race Track he had put so much into, was named “Ellis Thomas Downs” in his honor.
Ellis I will miss you. I shall pray for your family in their sorrow as they mourn.
May his soul rest in peace.
Julian Fraser, RA
At The Funeral
Fraser (L), Deputy Premier Dancia Penn-Sallah QC (C), and
His Exellency the Governor David Peary outside the St. Paul's
Anglican Church in Sea Cows Bay
His Exellency the Governor David Peary outside the St. Paul's
Anglican Church in Sea Cows Bay