Independent At-Large candidate and political commentator Sandra Phillip-Hodge is demanding immediate answers from the Virgin Islands Party administration regarding the prolonged delay of the national population census, warning that the territory remains uninformed about its true demographics heading into general elections. Photo:VINO/ File

Pointing to international guidelines, the Independent At-Large candidate and political commentator Sandra Phillip-Hodge noted that the United Nations Statistics Division recommends a census every decade to properly gauge development and demographic shifts. The Virgin Islands last completed a full population and housing census in 2010 under the administration of late Premier Ralph T. O’Neal. Photo: VINO/File

The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the completion of the 2020 Population and Housing Census, which had been targeted for June 2020. Photo: Facebook/Central Statistics Office

Pointing to international guidelines, Phillip-Hodge noted that the United Nations Statistics Division recommends a census every decade to properly gauge development and demographic shifts. The Virgin Islands last completed a full population and housing census in 2010 under the administration of the late Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE.

Questions on Electoral Readiness

In a Facebook Post on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Phillip-Hodge emphasised that an accurate census is vital to understanding the electorate and ensuring sound democratic governance. 

“Why are we still in the dark after 15 whole years, not knowing the population of the Territory of the Virgin Islands?” she asked. “What percentage of the population is eligible to vote?” 

She argued that census figures provide the foundation for identifying voter eligibility and mapping district representation, leaving critical democratic processes in limbo when left incomplete.

Accusations of Neglect and Stagnation

Highlighting the timing ahead of the upcoming national polls, Phillip-Hodge framed the delay as a symptom of deeper institutional neglect by the sitting government.

“When will this long-outstanding national institutional critical exercise be completed? Has the VIP government given this important matter the attention it deserves?” Phillip-Hodge questioned. 

She concluded with a direct call to the electorate: “We are months away from another general election. Population census and elections review remain outstanding, as neglected responsibilities of an irresponsible government. Can we afford another four years of this stagnation?”

Ongoing Delays at Central Statistics

The Central Statistics Office launched enumeration for the delayed 2020/2023 Population and Housing Census in mid-2023, but the exercise encountered recurring operational challenges and staffing shortages. 

Statistical officials have estimated the territory's population has climbed toward 40,000 residents—up from roughly 28,000 in 2010—yet final census reports have remained unpublished, drawing continuous public scrutiny from political contenders and community leaders across the Virgin Islands.