Elections 2023
For PVIM to be a winning team, Skelton said he was told to return as leader
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 Releases 2024 Preliminary Voters List for Public Review
The 2024 Preliminary Voters List for the Virgin Islands has been released for public review, as mandated by Section 18 (6) of the Elections Act 1994 and its amendments. The list includes a total of 16,106 registered voters across the Territory’s nine electoral districts.
Supervisor of Elections, Scherrie Griffin, emphasised the importance of this review process, urging the public to ensure their information is accurate. “The publication of the Preliminary Voters List plays a crucial role in keeping the Territory’s Voters List up-to-date throughout the year. It is essential that individuals check their registration details for their respective districts,” Griffin stated.
The list is available for inspection at 48 locations throughout the Virgin Islands, including supermarkets, clinics, bars, restaurants, stores, government buildings, and the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. Additionally, the list can be accessed online at bvi.gov.vg/elections.
Those with objections or claims regarding the list must submit them between September 6 and 19 at the Office of the Supervisor of Elections, located in the Creque Building on Main Street, Tortola.
Elections 2023
Voter Registration Now Open: Residents Urged to Register and Update Information
The Office of the Supervisor of Elections is reminding the public that voter registration is currently open. Eligible individuals are encouraged to register.
According to Section (2) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, eligibility to vote requires being a Belonger aged 18 or older and domiciled in the Virgin Islands.
To register, individuals must present a Virgin Islands Passport with an embossed seal, a Belonger’s Card, or a Belonger’s Certificate. A Naturalisation Certificate dated before June 15, 2007, is also acceptable.
Furthermore, Section 17(1) of the Elections (Amendment) Act No. 14 of 2011 states:
“A registered voter who is ordinarily resident in the Territory and who moves his place of residence from within one local electoral district or polling division to another, may have his name transferred to the list of voters for the local electoral district or polling division to which he has moved if he applies on Form No. 9 and establishes, to the satisfaction of the Supervisor of Elections, proof of residence within the local electoral district or polling division to which he/she has moved.”
Individuals who have changed their residence and wish to transfer their registration are encouraged to apply. Supporting documents for a transfer can include cable, water, electricity, or telephone bills, a rent receipt, lease agreement, or a notarized document stating the new address.
Registration and Transfer forms are available at the Office of the Supervisor of Elections, Road Town Post Office, the District Offices on Anegada and Virgin Gorda, and the Government Office on Jost Van Dyke. These forms can also be accessed online at BVI Government’s website under the services tab.
For further information, please contact the Office of the Supervisor of Elections at 284-468-4380 or 284-468-3701 Ext. 4380 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The office is located at Creque’s Building, #216 Upper Main Street, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
Elections 2023
Voter ID Card Issuance Resumes in the British Virgin Islands
The Office of the Supervisor of Elections in the British Virgin Islands has announced the resumption of Voter Identification Card issuance.
To obtain the card, individuals must provide proof of identity along with updated registration information.
Accepted documents for proof of identity include a BVI Passport with an embossed seal, a Belonger Card, a Belonger Certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization (issued before June 15, 2007), or a previous Voter Identification Card if applicable.
Applicants seeking to change their name on the card or transfer their registration must submit specific documents. For a change of name, individuals must complete Form No.3 [Claim Form] in person at the Office of the Supervisor of Elections, accompanied by documents such as a Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, or Deed Poll. For transferring registration, Form No. 9 [Transfer of Registration] must be filled out in person at the Office of the Supervisor of Elections, along with additional proof of identity.
Additionally, applicants must provide proof of residence, which can include utility bills (Cable, Water, Electricity, or Telephone), rental receipts with the new address, or a notarized document from the head of household/lessee confirming residency.
It’s essential to note that utility bills or receipts must be dated within two months prior to the application date for a Voter Identification Card.
For further inquiries and information, individuals are encouraged to contact the Office of the Supervisor of Elections at 284-468-4380 or via email at electionsoffice@gov.vg.
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