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.

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.

The UK Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA UK) is set to hold a Post-Election Seminar for parliamentarians in the Virgin Islands from August 30 to September 1.

The seminar, hosted by the House of Assembly, aims to provide a platform for sharing parliamentary experiences, fostering discussions on the responsibilities of elected representatives, and exploring parliamentary procedure and scrutiny.

Honourable Corine N. George Massicote, Speaker of the House of Assembly, expressed her appreciation for the seminar, stating that it represents a valuable opportunity for the Territory’s parliamentarians to engage with their peers from across the Commonwealth. She emphasized the importance of collective contributions to governance and legislative practices within the Virgin Islands and commended CPA UK for their commitment to strengthening the parliamentary institution.

The seminar is part of the UK Overseas Territories Project (UKOTP) and continues CPA UK’s engagement with the Virgin Islands. The project has consistently aimed to cultivate good governance and enhance oversight of public finances in the UK Overseas Territories. Honourable Massicote highlighted the significance of the Post-Election Seminar in fostering meaningful dialogues among local parliamentarians and a delegation of parliamentarians from various Commonwealth countries.

Leading the delegation is Lilian Greenwood, Member of Parliament (UK), whose expertise will guide the discussions towards a deeper understanding of parliamentary processes. The delegation also includes Honourable Juan Watterson SHK and Joann Corkish from the Isle of Man, as well as Honourable Akierra Missick MP from the Turks and Caicos Islands.

CPA UK’s mission is to establish strong parliamentary relationships across the Commonwealth, Overseas Territories, Devolved Legislatures, and Crown Dependencies. By organizing a comprehensive program of parliamentary strengthening activities, the organization bridges the gap between nations and legislators. This approach involves planned collaborations with other parliaments to facilitate dynamic exchanges between UK and Commonwealth parliamentarians and officials.

The upcoming Post-Election Seminar in the Virgin Islands is a testament to CPA UK’s enduring dedication to fostering parliamentary excellence, promoting international collaboration, and propagating effective governance practices. Through interactive engagement and the sharing of insights, the seminar will undoubtedly amplify the voices of Virgin Islands parliamentarians, enriching the democratic fabric of the region.