Early Friday morning, the V.I. Casino Control Commission (VICCC) and the V.I. Health Department (VIDOH) held a memorandum of understanding ceremony to combat problem gambling in the territory. The ceremony was held at the Casino Control Commission’s office in Orange Grove, St. Croix.
Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Casino Control Commission Marvin L. Pickering said in his open remarks, “It is my pleasure to welcome everyone to this momentous occasion as we formalize a shared commitment to address problem gambling in the territory.”
VICCC and VIDOH have entered a memorandum of understanding whereby the commission is providing funding to train and certify counselors in the districts of St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John to treat problem gambling disorders and addiction. There will be three counselors on St. Croix, three on St. Thomas, and one on St. John.
“The commission is mandated by Title 32 V.I. Code Section 517 to establish programs to treat and prevent gambling addiction,” said Pickering.
He went on to say that one percent of the revenues from the casino revenue fund is the funding source to establish these programs. Pickering also acknowledged the dedication and hard work of the team from the commission and Health Department. “They have brought us to this pivotal milestone,” he said.
Pickering also mentioned VICCC Commissioner and Vice Chair Carolyn P. Hermon-Percell, from the St. Thomas-St. John district that “lead the effort on behalf of the commission.”
He also applauded the efforts of Executive Director Linda Smith and her team. Pickering stated that casino licensees who pay a 12 percent tax on their gross earnings are responsible for generating the revenue in the casino revenue fund. This fund supports the operations of the commission and provides funding for various initiatives.
“The signing of this memorandum of understanding marks not only a formal agreement but a testament of our shared values and mutual trust to emphasize the importance of identifying and assisting individuals and their families facing gambling-related problems,” he said.
The six counselors are fully trained and certified professionals in the territory who will provide counseling to those who need these services. “It has always been a vision of the commission to have counselors on the ground here in the territory. Who understands the culture of our people and can relate not just using the 800 number and other national resources. Let us remember that it is not the end of the process, but the beginning of a somewhat transformative journey. It is an opportunity to show how a collaboration of government can lead to impactful outcomes,” Pickering said.
Also present at the signing ceremony was VIDOH Commissioner Justa Encarnacion, who, in her remarks, said, “In a close-knit community like ours, many of us know someone who has struggled with problem gambling or with gambling addiction or has seen its effect with family and friends. That’s why we are proud to enter this memorandum of understanding.” Encarnacion also mentioned that it was important that the counselors were from our community as this shows cultural sensitivity.
During the question-and-answer portion, The Source questioned VICCC about previous program formats to address problem gambling, to which Pickering said, “I can’t speak informative about what transpired before, but when we came in, we decided to take the program and revive it. One of the goals is to have the Department of Health onboard. We decided to take over the program because it was lying dormant for a while.”
Some of the training the counselors received included vital knowledge and etiologic predictors and risk factors, implanting suicide prevention strategies, and implementing effective treatment approaches for individuals affected by gambling addiction. Additionally, the Casino Commission provided funds to ensure that the counselors receive supervision by a board-approved clinical consultant, leading to an international certification recognized by the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board.
Pickering said that the program takes effect 30 days after the agreement is signed. Others present at the signing were VICCC Commissioner Luther Renee, Gesil Ramos, director of Behavioral Health, Renan Steele, deputy commissioner, and counselors from St. Croix Patricia Fatal, Tyrone Sackey, and St. Thomas Rolina McCarthy and Anice Wilson.
If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with gambling, visit https://playwisevi.org for more resources.
For additional information, contact the Virgin Islands Health Department’s Division of Behavioral Health at 340-718-1311 or contact Linda I. Smith, the executive director of the Virgin Islands Council on Community Relations, at 340-718-3616.
