Referendum key to boosting voter turnout, Mather insists
Stacy “Budda” Mather
Territorial At-Large Representative Stacy “Budda” Mather suggested that holding a referendum in the BVI would lead to greater public participation in the democratic process, resulting in higher voter turnout in a general election.
Speaking during the recent constitutional review debate in the House of Assembly, Mather highlighted that the constitutional review team proposed referendums throughout its report. He bemoaned the referendum law that has existed since 2002, arguing that despite promises, it has never been used.
He argued that such a process would help reconnect the public with decision-making on major national issues.
“Referendums increase voter turnout in most countries. Last election, we had 47%. There’s one thing to ask the population to vote for, and another thing to ask them to cast a vote about that issue,” Mather said.
He added that a referendum empowers the people to directly express their views on matters that affect the country, saying elected leaders shouldn’t assume they know the will of the people on all matters.
“I do not stand in this House believing that I know everything that my people want, and I love a country that has democracy that says they are for this and they are against this. We cannot lose sight of that,” he stated.
Turning to the issue of term limits for the Premier, Mather said that instead of relying solely on recommendations or political debate, the matter should also be put to the people. “Put it to a referendum. Put it in 2027 — ask the population what they think. They want to be engaged, put it as one,” he said.
Mather concluded that a referendum should be an easy decision to make, since the territory does not need permission from the United Kingdom to ask questions of its people.
The question of holding a referendum has repeatedly arisen in the BVI over the years. In 2023, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley announced plans for a referendum on self-determination, but that vote has not yet materialised. Previous governments have also floated the idea of using referendums to gauge public sentiment on major constitutional or political reforms, but none have been conducted since the law was enacted more than two decades ago.
Copyright 2025 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
So you guys have some much problems to fix,yet you guys are still talking about referrendum for indepndence.
Kim Jong Uhuru say independence ayo deaf!? The Man literally say anybody who don’t agree lacking education.
The man who said anybody don’t agree with independence is lacking education is the one who is lacking common séance and education.
The man who said anybody don’t agree with independence is lacking education is the one who is lacking common séance and education
its called a GENERAL ELECTION
These guys already dont listen to the people. Everyday we’re telling them what we want addressed yet the ignore us. We could stamp our demands on their foreheads and they’d still ignore us
Now we got a new Independent HOA that speaks for the people a referendum is no longer needed.
The Dirty HOA13 just going to tell UN, like they tell everybody, that they speak for the people and they say the people want Independence. (BS)
They say the VI people are just to stupid to have a referendum and don’t realise, because they are so dumb? that they really actually want Independence. They just don’t know how to say those words in a sentence they are so retarded.
So the HOA. The real voice of our stupid population speaking for them say the people want independence and we can say that because we are an independent HOA. We just decided that becoz we so clever.
Of course the actual VIslanders know people of the VI are clever and know Independence would just be a vote for unrestricted dirty 13 corruption guided by their criminal poster hero. We all know that and so does the UN.
No Independence. No Dirty HOA13(15). A better VI.
What are they (incumbent ministers) afraid of when it comes to referendums? Since 2002 none of the sitting government ministers advocated for ANY referendums for those issues that affect us ALL!
Why?
Mather you’re absolutely correct and though you cannot make it happen all by yourself, you have my support. We have ministers who don’t know their roles as administrators period. The HOA is used by those amateurs to strut like peacocks and spew hatred towards sections of the r population.
VIPers can only TAX us and waste public funds. I see the anti-crime summit that cost over $350k is a resounding success as evidenced by the recent spate of shootings and escaped prisoners.
What is really going on in the Virgin Islands?!?!
IF THERE’S A LARGE TURN OUT, PEOPLE LIKE YOU SO GONE SO BECAREFUL WHA YOU WISH FOR
It is to be noted. A referendum process is basically a vote of confidence in the government. Are the citizens of the Virgin Islands confident that going independent with its current government is the right decision? I like having two passports and spending USD. I dont know about anyone else, but i prefer the VI current situation the way it is. Until the elected politicians start actually doing there jobs i will not entertain the referendum discussion.