Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. is proud to have seen the dedication of the Eileen R. Petersen Casino Control Commission Building, at a ceremony held on October 20, 2021. Francis is the sponsor of Act 8132, which honored the first Chairman of the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission, by naming the building located in OrangeGrove, Christiansted in her honor.
According to Francis, no other name deserves to be on the building more than that of Eileen R. Petersen, the first Chairperson of the Casino Control Commission and first female judge in the Virgin Islands. “Judge Petersen is a trailblazer who broke glass ceilings and kicked down doors, while graciously paving the way for those who followed her. She never buckled – not from the challenges of establishing a new industry or from the fierce criticism of the naysayers in her efforts to establish a reputable gaming jurisdiction – a status that St. Croix holds to this day,” Francis stated.
Francis thanked Marvin Pickering, current Chairperson of the Casino Control Commission for his efforts to implement Act 8132 and all who played a part in making the dedication of the building a reality.
Francis called the dedication meaningful and a testament to Judge Eileen R. Petersen’s place in Virgin Islands history. “It is my hope that all who see her name gracing this building are inspired to learn more of Judge Petersen’s story and contributions to the Virgin Islands,” Francis concluded.