Should Anegada Have Its Own Representative?
A petition signed by about 80 Anegada residents requesting a dedicated district representative has drawn support from opposition Alliance members Myron Walwyn, Melvin Turnbull and Stacy Mather. Advocates argue Anegada’s distance from Tortola and unique needs justify separate representation as the territory undergoes a constitutional review.
Calls are growing for the island of Anegada to have its own district representative in the House of Assembly after a petition from the island’s residents was presented at a recent press conference by opposition members. The letter, read aloud by Territorial At-Large Representative Stacy Mather, said Anegada’s geographical separation and smaller population often leave the community feeling like "an afterthought" in national decision-making.
About 80 residents signed the petition asking for distinct representation to ensure their specific interests are heard in the legislature. Alliance Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn, Second District Representative Melvin Turnbull and Mather voiced support for the request. Mather said the petition demonstrates civic courage and argued the needs of a community, not the size of its voter roll, should determine representation: "Why stifle it?
Why not give them what they’re asking for?" Turnbull said Anegada’s concerns have been repeatedly raised and largely overlooked, and he would back the island’s request "because they deserve it." Walwyn questioned how often a district representative could practically visit Anegada from Tortola and commended residents for standing up for their rights.
Anegada is currently part of the Ninth Electoral District, which also includes Virgin Gorda. The Ninth is the largest geographical constituency in the territory. The creation of a separate 10th district for Anegada has been discussed in past constitutional review conversations, and the current call comes amid an ongoing review that could reshape how the territory is governed.
Residents have long pointed to limited infrastructure, sparse healthcare services and the logistical challenges of living more than a ferry trip away from the seat of government. Supporters of a new district say closer, accountable representation could help focus attention and resources on those persistent gaps.
Establishing a new electoral district would require changes to electoral boundaries and likely legislative or constitutional action, meaning the matter would need to be considered by elected officials and possibly within the wider constitutional review process. Alliance members said, however, that any final decision should rest with Anegada’s people rather than being decided by a larger voting margin elsewhere.
The petition has now been sent to all members of the House of Assembly. If the issue gains further traction in the constitutional review or the legislature, residents and politicians alike can expect a renewed debate on how best to balance fair representation with the practicalities of a small, dispersed territory.
Primary source: BVI News