BVI News

Certain changes need to be made way before next elections

Governor John Rankin

Governor John Rankin said he will urge elected representatives to swiftly implement the recommendations to be made by the team of international election observers who surveyed the April 24 general elections.

A few weeks before this year’s election, lawmakers rushed to make last-minute changes to the Elections Act, a move which was met with criticism from many who believed those changes should have been made earlier.

At that time, Opposition legislator Julian Fraser said he did not support the government’s move to make last-minute changes as it could affect the public’s perception.

Speaking on the Talking Points radio show, Governor Rankin said he will be doing his part to ensure that necessary improvements are made long before residents go to the polls in the next general elections.

“The international observers organized through the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association made a number of recommendations after the 2019 election and I would have wished those changes to have passed in full at an earlier stage,” Governor Rankin said.

“One of the things I will be doing with the new government and the new House of Assembly — we’ll get the observers’ report, see what recommendations are, and I shall be recommending that there is early consideration of those recommendations. And should the government decide to act on them, [I will also recommend] that we do so well in advance of the next elections rather than leave it for the last moment,” Governor Rankin explained.

The Governor also gave his views on residents who travelled to the BVI to exercise their franchise, stating that a better way can be found to facilitate residents who are outside of the territory at the time of elections.

“My personal view — although it’s a matter for the government to decide — is having a secure system of absentee ballot voting would be a sensible thing. I think that would be better than the “flying in, flying out system.” I appreciate that there will be different views on this subject. The important thing is that we don’t just leave it but address the issue and decide on the best way forward,” Governor Rankin posited.

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13 Comments

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  1. WOW says:

    This man speaks as if whatever he says must go with or without the input and approval of the people and House of Assembly.

    Like 6
    Dislike 19
  2. Light is better than darkness; love better than hate says:

    Bvislanders do not like belongers!/ or any outsiders to tell them what to do even thought
    it is the correct thing to do
    It is going to make the macheriney of thr country more efficient
    It is going to create better conditions in the work place
    It is going to enhance better productivity or better practices.

    They often ignore your ideas
    They often do not want to give you credit or
    They sidelined your contribution

    Then they will say if yiu dont like it go back where you come from .
    This goes on in ever sector of the society grom the petson who sweep or clean the dumpster to the highest office in the country .
    It is a shame how even those who are called by the names of Christians operate too.
    They say things to their own @ blame yourselves for allowing the island people to take over . It is such a shame that at the end of the day, the population is not self sufficient. Why can we be more accepting and work together, give people credit and stop the undermining of each other . “
    CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES “

    Like 8
    Dislike 5
  3. OBSERVER says:

    WE NEED A FIXED ELECTION DATE SO WE COULD PLAN OUR AFFAIRS

    Like 18
    Dislike 1
  4. Poke says:

    Does the UK under the meaning of the word “recommendations?”

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
  5. Salty Fish says:

    No offense Mr. Governor but the UK is nothing but a toothless dog. You talk, talk, talk, yet do nothing! Those last dog and pony shown you call the COI proves there’s no sincerity or urgency to follow through on anything. You’re spineless!

    Like 10
    Dislike 7
  6. Seal says:

    the borders for one month prior to any BVI general election for ALL persons eligible to vote.

    If you want to exercise your voting privilege then you have to live in the BVI for the month prior to a general election.

    HOA & Cabinet closed the border to visitors during the pandemic so they can do the same for off island eligible voters prior to the general election.

    Like 5
    Dislike 5
  7. Fresh says:

    You and yours would not be undermined if your presence in these VI was of a positive contribution.
    Poverty,illiteracy,murders,thiefing,prostitution are some of what you gave in exchange for what you got from the VI.
    So begone or be invisible…the sight and sound to which we are subjected is unbearable even for the resident canines.

    Like 2
    Dislike 2
  8. Note Ace says:

    No matter where I roam or pitch a tent,I am VIs lander. We don’t run away to other lands and cringe when identified as a BVIslander and be beg for inclusion and their status. When we ready,they give us all that with no qualms. My navel string is buried in the VI and I own and pay taxes in the VI.So I vote in my VI. Who vex vex.

    Like 3
    Dislike 3
  9. Rankin says:

    Why you don’t recommend they fix the potholes since apparently they cannot do anything without your approval anymore. This is so disgraceful a set of dumb greedy people who have lost touch with reality.

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  10. @wow says:

    If you read it again you will see that he specifically states
    that these decisions rest with our government.
    Don’t let the facts get in the way of your bigotry, though.

    Like 6
    Dislike 2
  11. Agree 100% says:

    If I was playing devil’s advocate, I would say one of the changes should be that the governor should be an elected role however after the corruption and idiotic-ness I witnessed in the last election, I happy with the governor being appointed by an institution that is far removed from the stupidity thsy going on in this place.

  12. Let's start says:

    With changing the district system. Tiny districts and small electorates are inimical to true democracy.

  13. Tired says:

    Governor is all talk

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