The recent report from election observers should serve as a reminder for the new government to tackle long-needed reforms before voters head to the polls again. We were pleased that …
Election observers call for campaign finance rules
The April general election was “peaceful and well-run,” but campaign finance regulations and other previously recommended reforms are still needed, according to a report issued this month by a team …
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VIP-led government announces ministries
The new House of Assembly is taking shape. The past week saw the appointment of Progressive Virgin Islands Movement leader Ronnie Skelton as opposition leader and the setting of ministerial …
Opposition comes out swinging
The new opposition members presented a united front while making their first public appearance together on April 27 during a press conference. Expressing collective frustration, they gave a blow-by-blow account …
EDITORIAL: Now it’s time to get to work
The people have spoken, and the territory’s democratic machinery has processed their input and delivered a government headed by Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. Though voters did not give Dr. …
The Road to the New Government: Election Night and What Followed
As results from the general election began to arrive on Monday night at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex, supporters lining the bleachers yelled and pumped their fists in the air every …
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Election: What made the difference?
The at-large race in the general election proved a challenging arena for the incumbent Virgin Islands Party, which secured only one of the four seats available in a blow to …
With Lorna Smith, VIP forms a government
Following the revelation Monday night that the incumbent Virgin Islands Party did not gain enough wins for a clear majority, electeds entered closed-door discussions on forming a coalition government. Now, …
EDITORIAL: Vote, but do it wisely
A democracy is only as strong as the citizens who participate meaningfully in its affairs. And that goes double for any democracy facing the sort of turmoil that has beset …
Three of four party leaders field questions
For more than 20 years, a party system has dominated Virgin Islands politics, and this year may be no different. As in 2019, four parties are contending the general election, …
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Interview: Wheatley says turmoil strengthened VIP
This interview is one of three conducted with party leaders ahead of the 2023 general elections. To read the others, click here. It was a baptism of fire. Dr. Natalio …
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Interview: Skelton asks for a chance for PVIM
This interview is one of three conducted with party leaders ahead of the 2023 general elections. To read the others, click here. The Progressive Virgin Islands Movement was born in …
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Interview: Fraser rallies against VIP re-election
This interview is one of three conducted with party leaders ahead of the 2023 general elections. To read the others, click here. Progressives United leader Julian Fraser is running solo …
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Election observers arrive in VI
Members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association arrived in the Virgin Islands this week to observe the territory’s 2023 general elections. Fatoumatta Njai, a member of the National Assembly of the …
Advance polling begins today
Today is the start of advance polling, and Monday is when most voters will head to the polls. Here is what voters need to know as they prepare to cast …
Campaigns highlight education, social needs
Candidates have been making their final appeals for voters’ favour over the past weeks in the leadup to the April 24 general election. The Progressive Virgin Islands Movement and National …
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Party leaders face off in two debates
Political party leaders fielded questions on issues including unpaid increments, rooting out corruption in the civil service, and projects like the Joes Hill housing development while participating in two debates …
With two weeks to go, campaigns heating up
There are only two weeks until Polling Day, and campaigns are heating up to a frantic pace. With Progressives United Chairman Julian Fraser officially entering the race on April 1, …
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Campaigns highlight District 3, sister islands
Less than a month out from Polling Day, candidates have been ramping up efforts to secure voters’ support by holding launches, speaking one-on-one with voters, and slinging accusations of dishonesty …
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What to know about election day
On March 15, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley set off a whirlwind of campaign activity with the announcement of the much-anticipated general election date. Most voters will head to the …
Campaign season in full swing
Last weekend was packed with green, red and blue campaign launches. Decrying crumbling infrastructure, insufficient social programmes, lagging schools and other issues plaguing the Virgin Islands, candidates for the April …
EDITORIAL: Come out of the gutter, please
The election campaigns are just getting under way, but already too many candidates are sliding inexorably toward the gutter. Before this trend gets out of control, the parties and independent …
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Election campaigns heating up
With the announcement of an election date anticipated this week, candidates have been appealing to voters, holding campaign launches, and participating in at least one district debate. The deadline to …
Parties pit experience against new candidates
The National Democratic Party and Progressive Virgin Islands Movement both added election candidates over the past week, pulling largely from the pool of political veterans but also giving a platform …
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Pool of election hopefuls grows
As campaigns heat up for the general election due by May 12, the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement launched a partial line-up, and at least two independent candidates entered the fray …