Elections 2023
For PVIM to be a winning team, Skelton said he was told to return as leader
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 has denied he is power hungry, saying that supporters have told him if he doesn’t return as leader of the PVIM, they will not support the party or have any chance of winning in the next General Elections.
Skelton, a former member of the National Democratic Party, announced that he left politics in 2019. As a result, Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull became chairman of the PVIM.
However, Skelton has returned to the party as chairman. Turnbull is now the deputy.
At a PVIM press conference recently, ZBVI Radio’s Zan Lewis grilled Skelton and asked the veteran politician if he does not have confidence in the leadership of Turnbull, especially since he said earlier in the press conference that he is giving young people a chance to grow.
Skelton responded: I have all confidence in Mr. Turnbull. All confidence. It’s a lot more complex than what you’re saying. The people have asked for me to come back and they have asked that if I am not leading, they will not follow PVIM, so because of those things, in order for us to be a winning team. I have to put my personal wishes aside and do what’s good and right for the country. I am here for my country, nothing else. I have no interest in the personal accolades.”
Lewis suggested that Skelton took away the position from Turnbull because he is power-hungry.
“That’s your opinion,” was Skelton’s response.
However, Turnbull responded and backed Skelton.
He said: “The Progress Virgin Islands Movement is a movement, is a group of persons that are interested in one thing which is to fix the country, develop its people, and raise the standard of where we are in this territory. It is true that Honourable Skelton would have left politics in 2019 and I became the chairman but what is important is that this group of persons that you see and a lot of other supporters, we sat around the room, we had discussions and we made the decision that the best person to lead the party and this movement at this time is Ronnie W. Skelton. I became deputy chairman and we have the officers here.”
Earlier in the press conference, in response to a reporter’s question, Skelton said he is supportive of youth leadership.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I always put young people… I need them to help to build the country. I am happy to be at home but the people are calling for some experience and they feel that I have that level of experience in order to assist this country out of the problems that it’s presently in. That’s why I am here, nothing else. I commend my young leader, and all of these people around me. And if you study my history, like you did your research…right? You will know that I hand over things to young people. Because that’s what I believe can help us to build the country. I don’t want to be a bible student but I will be one today. When the Lord turned to… Moses and tell him that he must get the young and the old together: the young for their strength and the old for their wisdom to show the way. That’s all that’s happening here today.”
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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