Elections 2023
PVIM Leader Ronnie Skelton touts development plan; presents 7 candidates
Skelton during the Friday’s PVIM press conference
By MERRICK ANDREWS, Online News Editor
(JTV NEWS) — Chairman of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) Ronnie W. Skelton said the British Virgin Islands need a development plan to solve the myriad of problems now facing the territory.
Skelton made the disclosure on Friday at a press conference where he presented seven PVIM candidates — himself along with Paul Hewlett, Stacy Mather, Shaina Smith, Sylvia Moses, Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull, and Shereen Flax-Charles — who will contest the 2023 General Elections.
The former National Democratic Party member told reporters: “We need a national development plan and the people of this territory need to hold the government to account for the activities in this plan. From this national development plan, we need to develop strategies for the development of our education system, the development of our healthcare system, the infrastructure, roads, bridges, and ports and we need a plan to fix the social needs of our country.”
‘SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST’
According to its official Facebook page, the PVIM was founded in 2018 and is not a political party but a movement, however, it is now obvious that this movement has evolved into a political party.
Its 2023 election campaign slogan is “Integrity Matters”. And as its founder, Skelton said he has the integrity and experience required to lead the party and resolve the territory’s problems.
At the beginning of his prepared statement, Skelton revealed some family, business, and political history that he believes make him suitable for this leadership.
“I serve as the CEO and director of Skelton Group of Companies in Fish Bay, Tortola,” he said, adding that he is the eighth of his mother’s 14 children.
“After my father died suddenly in 1983 I was one of the three in the family chosen to be the administrator of his estate. My brothers and sisters know that when there is a cake to be shared, they will get equal slices so they trust me to look after their affairs,” he continued.
Skelton is a veteran politician. He mentioned that he served the territory as Minister for Health and Social Development, Minister for Finance, Deputy Chief Minister, and a short stint as Leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition.
He told reporters that he is not a selfish person and he always put people and the country first.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am someone you can trust and one who puts the love of his country and the development of his people first and I have never been one to make things about myself. This is the only reason why I have decided to come and join forces with this group of bright and promising individuals to contest the next general election. I plan to lend my experience, my wisdom and my guidance to do the things that are right to rebuild the reputation of our beloved British Virgin Islands and so that we all can be proud once again at home and abroad,” he explained.
He added: “I am not one who runs away from problems but we have to admit after the April 28-29 news, we all were speechless and we hang our heads. Our country’s problems continue to unfold before our very eyes. We do have our share of problems but they are not problems that we cannot fix. In order to fix these problems we need to have a plan and we must stick to our plan.”
STRENGTH IN DIFFICULT TIMES
Skelton said Virgin Islanders must see the positive in every difficult situation.
“Sometimes as a people we seem to just focus on what is wrong and don’t appreciate all the things that are right,” he said.
The PVIM leader implored the peope of the Virgin Islands to be strong in these trying times.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I grew up here in these Virgin Islands when every child did not have access to a high school education and today our children have access to tertiary education right here in this territory. I grew up in these Virgin Islands when the supply of electricity was limited from the Government House, Governor’s House to the Methodist burial ground just on Main Street. I grew up in these Virgin Islands when there were limited to no paved roads. I mention these to say that hard times create strong people and strong people create easy times and easy times create free people. We are facing some difficult times now so we have to be strong again,” he explained.
UNITY AND PARTNERSHIPS
As the Commission of Inquiry Report hangs over the territory like a dark cloud, Skelton said he plans to solve some of the territory’s problems through unity with local and international partners.
“When elected, we will work with the UK and with our regional and international partners to rebuild our Virgin Islands. I have looked at the issues facing our territory that need to be addressed and we can do this. My deputy and I have had many conversations with persons from all around the territory including the leaders of the other two parties and independent candidates. I will continue to talk to these individuals once it is in the best interest of our Virgin Islands,” he said.
THE CANDIDATES
PVIM candidates, front from left: Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull, Ronnie Skelton, and Shereen Flax-Charles; standing from left: Paul Hewlett, Stacy Mather, Shaina Smith, and Sylvia Moses.
Skelton then spoke about the seven candidates who will represent the PVIM at the polls.
“These seven individuals here, including myself, this morning, have committed themselves to work together in the best interest of these Virgin Islands. They all have proven track records,” he said about his team.
He plans to update the public on March 4 about additional members.
“My friends, we will work together to bring hope, accountability, transparency, integrity, inspiration and empowerment back to our country and our people. That’s why we are here ladies and gentlemen. That’s why we are. And that is why I am here.
“We must feel proud again to be from these Virgin Islands. We must feel proud again to be from these beautiful British Virgin Islands. Ladies and gentlemen, we will continue to press on to expand our district members and we will continue to bring people before you that are trustworthy, that are transparent, that are accountable to you the people of these Virgin Islands. I thank you and may Jehovah continue to bless and have mercy on these beautiful Virgin Islands, thank you,” he concluded in his statement.
Elections 2023
Virgin Islands Elections Office Moves to Expand Access Through Mobile and Absentee Voting
The Office of the Supervisor of Elections announced that the proposed Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2025 would expand access to voting by allowing election teams to visit specified locations so qualified and approved individuals can cast their ballots without attending a polling station in person.
According to the Bill, election officers would be authorised to operate mobile polling stations in hospitals, care facilities, prisons and private residences for voters unable to travel due to illness, disability or other qualifying reasons. Teams could also visit designated public locations ahead of polling day to serve approved absentee voters.
The proposed legislation sets out absentee and postal voting procedures, including application requirements and deadlines for voters who are overseas, medically unable to leave home, caring for dependents or on short-term remand. It also provides for emergency absentee voting in situations such as last-minute medical issues or work obligations.
The Bill further introduces terms such as “absentee voter,” “assistive voting technology,” and “curbside voting,” and would formally establish a Department of Elections responsible for voter registration, public education and the conduct of elections. It also proposes an Elections Advisory Committee to advise on electoral policy and operations.
If passed, the measure would represent one of the most significant updates to the Virgin Islands’ election laws in more than a decade, aiming to make voting more accessible while maintaining the established legal framework.
The Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduces sweeping changes to the Territory’s electoral process, including expanded vote-by-mail provisions, the creation of a Department of Elections, stricter proof-of-residence requirements, and the establishment of an Elections Advisory Committee.
The Bill, now before the House of Assembly, establishes a Department of Elections under the administration of the Supervisor of Elections. The Department will oversee continuous voter registration, revisions to the voters’ roll, candidate nominations, voter education, and the conduct and monitoring of elections. It will also support the Electoral District Boundaries Commission, settle certain electoral disputes prior to results being declared, and incorporate technology to improve transparency and accountability.
The legislation expands voting access through new provisions for absentee, postal, curbside, and mobile voting. Students, government employees, and residents working or receiving medical care abroad may qualify to vote by mail. Elderly and disabled voters unable to enter polling stations may cast ballots from their vehicles, while mobile polling teams will be permitted to visit hospitals, aged-care facilities, prisons, and private homes. An internet-based tracking system will allow voters to monitor the status of their absentee ballots.
Stricter residency verification rules are also introduced. Applicants for voter registration must provide two months of utility bills, rent receipts, or insurance documents as proof of residence. Where this is not possible, a notarized letter or a signed form from the homeowner or principal occupier may be accepted. Submitting false documents carries a fine of up to $500.
The Bill also requires relatives of registered voters who die overseas to notify the Supervisor of Elections with supporting documents, including a death certificate and proof of relationship. False reporting may result in a fine of up to $2,000 or imprisonment for two years.
An Elections Advisory Committee will be created to advise the Supervisor of Elections on policy and operations. Members will be appointed by the Governor after a public application process and in consultation with the Premier, Leader of the Opposition, and the Attorney General. The Committee will include a chairperson, four to six members, and the Supervisor of Elections as an ex-officio member. Individuals currently serving as legislators, public officers, judges, or political party executives will not be eligible.
The Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2025, also updates terminology by replacing “electronic tabulating system” with “electronic voting system” throughout the principal law. It provides for live-streaming of absentee ballot processing and requires recordkeeping, reporting, and safeguards for the handling of ballots before and after polling day.
If enacted, the Bill will amend the Elections Act, Revised Laws of the Virgin Islands 2013, with provisions coming into force on dates to be appointed by the Governor.
The Office of the Supervisor of Elections has published the 2025 Preliminary Voters List, giving registered voters in the Virgin Islands the opportunity to review their information and submit corrections before the final Revised Voters List is issued.
Officials said the publication of the preliminary list is a standard step in the election process and ensures that eligible voters are able to verify their details in advance of the next general election. Registered voters are encouraged to check their names, addresses, and other information and to report any inaccuracies promptly.
Corrections may be submitted through the Office of the Deputy Governor, located on the second floor of the Burhym Building in Road Town, Tortola, or directly to the Office of the Supervisor of Elections at 216 Upper Main Street, Creque Building, Road Town.
The Supervisor of Elections’ office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Voters may also contact the office by telephone at (284) 468-4380, by fax at (284) 468-2779, or by email at electionsvi@gov.vg.
The Office of the Deputy Governor may be reached at (284) 468-2195 or by email at dgo@gov.vg.
The Revised Voters List will be compiled following the correction period.
Visit https://gov.vg/service-details/2025-preliminary-voters-list to view the list and submit any claims or objections.
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