Phillip-Hodge Slams 15-Year Census Void
Community figure Sandra Phillip-Hodge has criticized the government over the ongoing 15-year delay in completing a national population census. She warned that the lack of up-to-date demographic data hampers governance, planning, and electoral readiness ahead of upcoming general elections. The Virgin Islands has not finalized a full census count since 2010.
Sandra Phillip-Hodge has sharply criticized the government for failing to complete a national population and housing census, leaving the British Virgin Islands without finalized demographic data for 15 years. The territory last concluded a comprehensive census in 2010 under the administration of the late Premier Honourable Ralph T.
Pointing to international standards set by the United Nations Statistics Division, Phillip-Hodge emphasized that nations are urged to conduct censuses every decade to effectively monitor economic development, social shifts, and demographic trends. In a public statement, Phillip-Hodge voiced serious concerns about the broader implications for governance and democratic integrity, particularly as the territory moves closer to general elections.
She stressed that accurate population metrics are essential for determining voter eligibility, shaping district boundaries, and ensuring equitable representation. "Why are we still in the dark after 15 whole years, not knowing the population of the Territory of the Virgin Islands?" she questioned. "What percentage of the population is eligible to vote?
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 characterized the continued delay as part of a wider pattern of institutional neglect, questioning whether the electorate can afford further stagnation.
She noted that without current data, both electoral reviews and national planning remain compromised. The Central Statistics Office previously launched field enumeration for the delayed 2020/2023 Population and Housing Census in mid-2023. However, the process faced significant operational challenges and staffing shortages, delaying the publication of final reports.
While statistical officials estimate the territory’s population has expanded from approximately 28,000 in 2010 toward nearly 40,000 today, the lack of confirmed figures continues to draw scrutiny from political contenders, community leaders, and civic advocates seeking transparency and accountability.
Primary source: VINO