Elections 2023
PVIM’s Paul “On The Ball” Hewlett says he is a “team player first”
(JTV News) — Paul “On The Ball” Hewlett, the confirmed Fourth District candidate for the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) in the upcoming General Elections, is well-known as a sports journalist, former athlete, and longtime resident of the district he plans to represent.
But after a brief one-on-one interview with Hewlett by JTV’s Merrick Andrews recently, there is so much more to Hewlett than meets the eye.
In the interview, he disclosed what makes him qualified for the job, his upbringing in the Fourth, his education at home and abroad, why he chose the PVIM over other politic parties, his sojourn in politics in another Caribbean country, and most importantly, what plans he and his party have to improve the Fourth District. He outlined plans for sports, education, and cultural development.
However, before laying down those plans in the interview, Hewlett was quick to point out that the challenge with politicians “is that they promise too much in their first term and end up delivering very little”.
And while his background is in sports and education, Hewlett also noted in the interview that he is a “team player first”.
Merrick Andrews: Tell us why you decided to enter the political arena in the BVI at this time.
Paul Hewlett: Merrick, my decision was very simple: it came out of the extra time I had to think about our lives as a people during the pandemic, and with so much time to think, it finally dawned on me I was not answering my calling. The BVI needed new faces in the arena who were passionate and could make a difference in our now-failing economy!!
MA: What do you believe makes you qualified for the Fourth District job and to serve the people of the territory?
PH: The Fourth District is where I grew up, my sister was born there and all my early school friends came from the 4th, as I attended both the BVI primary and BVI High School [renamed Elmore Stoutt High School] in the 4th District. As a mature teenager, I was very involved in sports and at 18 went to the UK to study law. Unfortunately, for me, I did not enjoy law but instead got ‘A’ Levels in Sociology, English Language, and History. I was a great follower of Karl Marx as a youngster but as I grew up, realized that capitalism was the best structure for freedom of speech. So in the 4th [District] there are multiple sporting venues where I already spend much of my time now and I am passionate about the development of education on our shores.
MA: When elected, what issues in the district do you intend to tackle?
PH: There are many issues that need to be tackled, Merrick. The challenge I find with politicians is that they promise too much in their first term and end up delivering very little. Beatification of Road Town is vital for our tourism industry. The development of bike lanes also is needed. I am also concerned about the direction the vehicles now drive through town and am not sure our government got that right. Initially, though I would tackle our educational curriculum which honestly needs an overhaul and the redevelopment of the sports complex. A more long-term vision I have is a cultural village that will benefit our young people in particular along with our tourism development. Another long-term goal would be the development of another track facility at Paraquita Bay but this can only be done after the A. O Shirley is first developed properly with seating and other needed facilities.
MA: What infrastructural developments are required in the Fourth?
PW: I think I have already touched on this above Merrick with the redevelopment of the A.O. Shirley Grounds and the Walwyn Brewley Grounds. I also intend to change the lighting power to solar, saving the government millions of dollars on lighting these and other sporting facilities around the district and the territory.
MA: Mark Vanterpool has been in that seat for many years [and does not plan to contest the 2023 polls], do you believe you can fill his shoes?
PW: That’s a no-brainer, Merrick. As you can see from my focus above there are many aspects of the district which Mark never touched. I would never say Mark was never passionate about the 4th but my very existence and everything I do is affected by the 4th District. For example, I coach three athletes who are going to the Carifta Games. I run a business in the 4th District and own property in the 4th. This has enabled me to understand fully the experience of the small businessman and appreciates the importance of keeping such individuals successful as this has a trickle effect on everyone.
MA: Why the PVIM and not the other parties?
PW: The PVIM has 6 Pillars that attracted me immediately: integrity, transparency, empowerment, hope, inspiration, and accountability. Very impressive indeed, that along with our slogan, ‘Integrity Matters’, sold me. Outside of that, I found that my mindset was along these lines as Ronnie Skelton, our leader, and the rest of the team. I didn’t have to change who I was or my philosophy of life to fit in with the team, it happened automatically!!
MA: If you were to be elected, what ministry would you prefer to manage?
PH: Honestly, any ministry Ronnie wants me in is fine with me. My background is in education and sports so that would be great TO BE THERE BUT I AM A TEAM PLAYER FIRST!!
MA: Why do you believe these elections are so crucial this time around?
PW: In the last few years, so much has happened with a category 5 hurricane followed by the pandemic, then our premier being arrested. I feel it is paramount that whoever stands to represent this country must do so for the love of the country and not the love of self and family. We are in very crucial times, which if not dealt with correctly, could end us up in a similar boat, Jamaica or Guyana found themselves in financially. The difference is, our tourism industry cannot save us due to the size of our territory, therefore we must think of sports tourism on a larger scale and develop areas of revenue that will build our community.
MA: Tell your voters five character traits that make you qualified for this job.
PW: Well, the first would be my years of hands-on experience in sports and in education. Secondly my ability to be hands-on with many young ones as I live a stone’s throw away. Thirdly, my passion for sports in the territory at large and also my passion for education. Fourthly, I am easily approachable by all. Last but not least, I own offices in the 4th District and intend to use my office as my headquarters where people can come on a regular basis to ask questions, get forms filled out, apply for benefits or anything else that is required.
MA: Are you new to politics in general?
PW: On the contrary, what I have not shared with anyone is that I was actually the favorite to win a seat in a previous election but due to death threats and other unacceptable behavior I opted to stand down. It was my wife in particular who insisted that I never get involved in politics again but it is very hard to sit back and watch your country digging into a deep hole, knowing that you have a solution and not offer to help to fix it. So I raised my hand and decided I would return to politics with the PVIM and bring the BVI back to its glory days and beyond.
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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