Census delay blocking vital aid for VI- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley
He was at the time speaking on the Virgin Islands Voice radio programme on April 30, 2025, when he reported on the dire consequences of the territory’s failure to complete its long-overdue census.
VI losing 'bigly'
Qualifying his position, the Minister cited as example that, “When I travel to international meetings, it's the first thing they ask for. Can I see your census data?” According to Minister Wheatley, “If you're trying to get any kind of aid from any country, they will tell you, no census data, you don't qualify automatically.”
He, as such, used the occasion to explain that the absence of such foundational data is not merely an administrative shortfall but a critical barrier to national progress and financial support. “I can't overemphasise the importance of getting this census done. It is holding us back from a lot of international aid; We are losing bigly because we don't have it.”
In a direct appeal to the public, Hon Wheatley urged residents to actively participate in the process. “Let persons know, if somebody comes to your house, please cooperate. We have to get on with it.”
'We have to finish that census'- Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE
Meanwhile, Junior Minister for Financial Services, Trade and Economic Development, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL)—also on hand for the public broadcast—echoing the urgency, acknowledged the slow progress and reiterated the necessity of finalising the process.
“I know that we are way behind. And I know we have had several offers,” she said, referencing attempts by legislators to facilitate the enumeration exercise. “For example, members of the House have said, you know, you can keep the forms... put the forms there and so on.”
She was nonetheless adamant, “We do have to agree, we have to finish that census because it gives us so much information…data is what we need in terms of making decisions.”
The last census for the Virgin Islands was done in 2010. At the time, the territory had a population of 28,054, of whom 23,491 lived on Tortola. Current estimates put the population well over 35,000.
The 2020 Population and Housing Census was expected to be completed in June of the same year; however, it was impeded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Preparations were then made to administer the Population and Housing Census from June 15, 2023 and be completed by December 2023.
In October 2024, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) was still trying to recruit enumerators or census officers.
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8 Responses to “Census delay blocking vital aid for VI- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley”
Since most persons in the BVI can't vote why would they want to be included in the overdue BVI census?
This is a factual misrepresentation of good judgment not only by our current political leaders, but also those were government leaders before.
It is high time for our political leaders to work their talk, and cease talking plenty of what may or may not do that need to be done on time.
Presently, the nation of this world are maneuvering for, especially, financial gains any way be it right or wrong. If we here in the B.V.I continue following their pattern of the-strong-can't-be-wrong of continuing suppression of the weak in their quest for greater elitist status, wouldn't many of those negative unfortunate, mirror things that are ongoing in other countries not also not occur here? In fact some are currently happening here in the B.V.I, and spiking almost daily.
In conclusion, having at up dated census is vital for all human beings National Development Prosperity.
Still not been canvassed in my area. Go on line and all you get is an application form to apply as a enumerator.