Minister for Education and Culture, the Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL) has been elected as the Chairman of the NDP and will be leading that party into the election. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Andrew A. Fahie (R1) who will be heading the VIP is yet to unveil his full slate of VIP’s Candidates—having already unveiled six Candidates. Photo: VINO/File

With General Elections constitutionally due in 2019, the Deputy Governor’s Office has commenced their preliminary preparations such as updating their staff database, looking to recruit new staff and is also looking to introduce new polling stations but they are also calling for updated Election laws to be enacted by year-end. Photo: VINO/File

Acting Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Governor’s Office (AgPSDGO), Mrs Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe, gave the brief earlier this year, when she appeared before the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Assembly (HoA).

The acting Permanent Secretary related at the time that they are aiming to commence the training of the requisite workers this year, adding that they “will also be trying to identify new polling stations within the districts.”

Updated Laws

According to the HoA’s report, in her presentation to the Committee, “she told the Committee that they will be updating their communications strategy in order to implement the voter registration ID cards and will commence giving them out later in the year.”

Mrs Stoutt-Igwe said too they are hoping that they would be able to have a Consolidated Act, that includes all of the recommended amendments from the 2011 and 2015 General Elections by the end of the year.

She noted that it is very important that all staff and workers be well versed in the Elections Act, ahead of the scheduled General Elections. 

Candidates

Thus far, current Minister for Education and Culture, the Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL) has been elected as the Chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and will be leading that party into the election.

Hon Walwyn’s election to Chairman has been viewed as a divisive development in the NDP, with several party members refusing to contest alongside him. However, he has imposed an August 12, 2018, deadline for these members to make a final decision.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Andrew A. Fahie (R1) who will be heading the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) is yet to unveil his full slate of VIP’s Candidates—having already unveiled six Candidates    .

Additionally, businessman and former Permanent Secretary, Julian Willock, has announced that he will be contesting for a seat in the HoA as an At Large Representative.