Up to residents to pressure local authorities if they’re unhappy with BVI politics
Members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region. Sitting extreme right is election analyst, Matthew Salik.
While noting that their remit is not to police the 2019 election season, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region (CPA BIMR) has said residents of the British Virgin Islands are the ones who are ultimately responsible to ensure that candidates and parties involved in any unpleasant political conduct are held to account.
Elections analyst for the CPA BIMR Matthew Salik made that note amid concerns about the type of conduct that has muddied the local political space in recent times.
Speaking with members of local media on Tuesday, Salik said his organisation will only monitor the political environment and make subsequent recommendations. He made it clear that the CPA BIMR will not interfere or intervene in the political process in any way.
“We don’t have the authority to undertake those sorts of activities. Your government has not given us that authority, the people of BVI haven’t given us that authority,” Salik said.
“I would say that if there are areas of concern or if there is frustration or there is a desire for change, then that really has to be with the people of BVI to take forward. I know that probably doesn’t sound like a satisfactory response and that you would like us to be able to step in and do something. But, that’s not really our role and that’s not really why we are here.”
The elections analyst continued: “We will produce a report which is publicly available for the media and for every voter to read and review and to discuss. And if they feel that something ought to change, then really it’s up to them to put pressure on the authorities to make those changes.”
The BVI recently implemented a code of conduct for political candidates and parties to abide by during these elections. However, there are no penalties in place if the code of conduct is not followed.
Governor Augustus Jaspert invited the CPA BIMR to observe the BVI elections and compare against international standards as well as domestic laws. The CPA BIMR will observe political campaigning, electoral administration, voter registration and accessibility, polling, counting and tabulation, and post-election complaints or appeals.
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The realest thing ive heard 4 da year so far.
Looks are ‘oh so easy’ when you are on the outside looking in! Before you learn how it works here keep your naïve opinions to yourself. The game is far more ruthless here than you realize.
We desire, wish for nor want no outside, colonial or other outside interference in our domestic politic affairs. We are a grown and matured people and, therefore, can fix our own problems when broken.
Shut your face and we behaving so for the past months
A message to the electorate:
Political scientist have suggested that, electing a young inexperienced mind creates a zoo.
Therefore, think and study much before voting.
where u get that from…i do agree we need to me mindful on inexperience and young voters however thy should not be given a ministry on their first victory but put into roles where they are exposed..
I don’t understand (experience), when and where do you get it? You must start at ground zero and work your way up in order to gain experience. This is why the BVI have an employment problem. No one wants to take the time to train,guide and follow the probation period and let the employee prove their knowledge to their skills. Let the young people rule with their experienced leader. We are SUFFERING from those with experience!
Curiously sloppy use of words, BVI News.
The CPA BMIR talked of the people of the BVI doing this, yet BVI News talks of residents.
Two thirds of the people who live and work in the BVI don’t belong and are not people of the BVI (rather people in the BVI) and have no say or sway. But they are resident.