1735 British Virgin Islands Assembly elections explained

Assembly elections were held in the British Virgin Islands in 1735.

Background

In early 1735 Governor William Matthew established a Council and Assembly for both Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Although the six-member Councils were appointed by the Governor, the nine-member Assemblies were elected.^{[1] [2]}

Electoral system

Tortola was divided into three three-member constituencies; Fat Hog Bay, Road and Saka Bay. Virgin Gorda had two constituencies, with Valley electing six members and North and South Sound electing three.^[1] Voters were generally the residents rather than the freeholders.^[1]

Aftermath

Following the elections, it became apparent that Governor Matthew had misinterpreted his commission. As a result, the creation of the Assemblies was illegal. Matthew was reprimanded by the Lords of Trade and the Assemblies were subsequently disbanded, although the Councils continued to meet.^[1] Elections were not held again until 1773.

Notes and References

1. Isaac Dookhan (1975) A History of the British Virgin Islands 1672 to 1970, Caribbean University Press, p26
2. Pearl Varlack and Norwell Harrigan (1977) The Virgins: A Descriptive and Historical Profile, The Caribbean Research Institute College of the Virgin Islands, p20