Elections 2023
Adhere to election code of conduct advises Office of the Supervisor of Elections
The British VIrgin Islands Office of the Supervisor of Elections has warned politicians against spreading misinformation and disinformation about political parties and independent candidates contesting the April 24 general elections.
In a public notice, the Office of the Supervisor of Elections has advised candidates to adhere to the election code of conduct and “avoid defamation of character of their opponents, their families and supporters.”
A total of 42 candidates have so far registered with the Office of the Supervisor of Elections – 13 from the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), nine from the National Democratic Party (NDP) and another nine from the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM).
The 11 other candidates are independents or represent smaller parties.
Campaigning in all nine districts officially kicked off mid April with Nomination Day set for April 13.
Politicians have been warned to avoid abusive attacks on candidates for “their political affiliation, race, social origins and background, education, gender, religion or any other reason.”
And to speak the truth and not intimate or “victimise a person (or) interfere with employment rights.”
Additionally, The office has encouraged all candidates not to disseminate inaccurate information about the electoral process and “accept the result of an election or challenge the result by due process of law.”
Only one of the three major parties have a full slate of candidates for the April 24 general elections.
VIP is fielding a full roster of 13 candidates – four territorial at-large and nine district candidates.
VIP district candidates are Dr Karl Dawson (First District), Marieta Flax-Headley (Second District), Kevin Smith (Third District), Luce Hodge-Smith (Fourth District), Deputy Premier Kye Rymer (Fifth District), Alvera Maduro-Caines (Sixth District), Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley ( Seventh District), Allen Wheatley (Eighth District) and Vincent Wheatley (Ninth District.)
While territorial at-large candidates are Neville Smith, Carvin Malone, Sharie De Castro, Zoe J. Walcott
NDP’s nine candidates include five district candidates and four territorial at-large candidates.
District candidates are Aaron Parillon (Third District), Sandy Harrigan-Underill (Fourth District), Myron Walwyn (Sixth District), NDP leader Marlon Penn (Eighth District) and Coy Levons (Ninth District). There will not be a NDP candidate on the ballot in districts one, two, five and seven.
Territorial at-large candidates are Kedrick Pickering, Lorna Smith, Renard Estridge and Allen O’Neal.
PVIM’s nine candidates are Silvia Romney (First District), Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull (Second District), Ian Smith (Fourth District), Marvin Blyden (Fifth District) and Shereen D. Flax-Charles (Ninth District). Voters will not be able to vote for a PVIM candidate in districts three, six, seven and eight.
Stacy “Buddha” Mather, Ingrid Moses-Scatliffe, Shaina Smith-Archer, and Party Chairman Ronnie Skelton are the Territorial at-large candidates.
Advance polling day is April 20.
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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