As recently as July of 1997, the commission learned, through its network with other gaming jurisdictions, of a mass shipment of illegal gaming equipment destined for the territory. It's rapid intervention intercepted the shipment and closed an illegal gaming operation on St. Croix. But still, the people of St. Croix do not see it that way. Many believe that casinos must be in place prior to any economic development whereas Petersen differs. Noel Loftus, St. Croix Chamber of Commerce president agrees with Petersen.
Casinos are the icing on the cake and the law is intended to attract hotel development.
But we need to be doing more now. Without marketing, airline lift and tourism advertising, how can we expect to attract investors. Hotels are closing. We need hospitality training for our citizens to teach them how to treat visitors to our island and how to be more friendly. Opinions differ as to how much time it will take to build a casino hotel.