Sandra Phillip-Hodge slams Gov't over 15-year census void
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 & 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 @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population has climbed toward 40,000 residents—up from roughly 28,000 in 2010—yet final census reports have remained unpublished, drawing continuous public scrutiny from political contenders and community leaders across the Virgin Islands.
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20 Responses to “Sandra Phillip-Hodge slams Gov't over 15-year census void ”
It’s very annoying to see her name pops up cause it’s always darkness no light. And she can quote as much scriptures as she wants cause the enemy knows scriptures too. Sandra be a light.
We do need the census, I believe we all agree on this.
My issue with it is that most residents were interviewed YEARS ago, I am sure some moved out of the BVI, others have arrived, families have changed (some were born, some passed away).
So we do need a census but I believe the data they have now is not reliable. I was interviewed a log time ago. And some time after they came again and I had to tell the person that I had already being interviewed. I wonder how many other similar cases happened during this LOOOONG census!
Howncan anyone know what is goingnonnin this country.
Money going out without (ornmaybe it is with) the Minister of Finance knowing.
Know one knows because DICTATORS like it that way.
UN will not like having information though when the SECRET Independencenplans arenpushed through with no one knowing and no one voting.
The Philippinos get a pass
In addition to political representation, a census is vital in public and private sectors community planning, ie,,budget, healthcare, schools, roads, water, electricity, sewerage, electricity,, telecommunications,,
Sports,,community centers, etc.
This whole thing is as messed up as Hogan’s goat. It is indicative of benign neglect,, incompetence, poor planning, poor leadership, etc.