CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – RESIDENTS of Nevis are eagerly looking forward to the release of the Boundaries Commission Report, which is scheduled for presentation in the Federal House of Assembly on Friday, July 3.

The anxiety stems from reports in other sections of the media that the Commission has recommended changes to the electoral districts on the island. According to the reports, two areas known traditionally as strongholds of the ruling Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) have been recommended for change. Hamilton Estates, part of the St. Paul’s Parish, would now be in St. Thomas’ Parish; while Cox Village in St. John’s would now be part of St. George’s Parish. St. Pul’s-St. John’s make up Electoral District Number nine.

Deputy Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Hensley Daniel, and Minister of Communication the Hon. Carlisle Powell were guests on a Choice FM radio show Monday night, where callers expressed their displeasure at the move.  Daniel, NRP’s representative in District Number Nine, quipped that he would not be able to vote for himself if the changes were made. He hails from Cox Village.
The Boundaries Commission, consisting of Barrister-at-Law Anthony Johnson, the Hon. Cedric Liburd, Hon. Asim Martin, Hon. Vance Amory and the Hon. Michael Perkins, was set up in October 2008 to address the issue of boundary changes.

Amory, Leader of the Opposition on Nevis, told SKNVibes earlier this year that there were some kinks to be ironed out as it relats to the boundaries. 

He said that there were a number of issues to be taken into consideration in terms of adjustment of the boundaries for the electoral process and what is contemplated, “and that is the general equalisation of the numbers within the boundaries”. 

“One has to look at the size of the constituency and, in the case we are now looking at, you have to look at the number of persons registered and any imbalance which would have been created. It is clear that based on the number of registered voters on the list in Nevis Nine, that there is some aberration which ought to be addressed.” 

The former Premier said it is clear that the preponderance of registered voters in Nevis Nine has caused some concern and they have to find a way of dealing with it. 

He also identified the St. George’s Parish as another area of concern which has historically been the largest in terms of population and registered voters. He said the number of persons now registered and are reregistering is very low. He revealed that at the end of April there were less than 1 200 persons on the register in what is Nevis Ten. 

Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry could not be reached for a comment up to press time, but was expected to make an official statement during the course of the day.