‘Evaluation Of The 36 Constituency Boundaries’
The Bermuda Constituency Boundaries Commission [BCBC] has “commenced its evaluation of the 36 constituency boundaries that define Bermuda’s voting districts” and will host three town halls to “provide voters the opportunity to ask questions and hear more about the Commission’s work.”
A Government spokesperson said, “The Parliamentary Registry Office [PRO] is advising that the Bermuda Constituency Boundaries Commission has commenced its evaluation of the 36 constituency boundaries that define Bermuda’s voting districts for parliamentary elections.
“It should be noted and reminded that the Bermuda Constituency Boundaries Commission is appointed by Her Excellency the Governor in accordance with Section 53[2] of the Constitution.
“The Commission’s mandate is to ensure, as far as reasonably possible, that each constituency contains an equal number of individuals eligible to be registered as electors. The Commission is comprised of two representatives from each political party and two independent members, who serve as the chairman and the judicial member.
“As a note, the members of the Boundaries Commission are:
- Mark Ramkerrysingh – Chairman ~ Trinidad & Tobago
- The Hon. Mr. Justice Loren Klein ~ Judicial Member ~ The Bahamas
- Christopher Famous, JP, MP
- Craig Cannonier, JP, MP
- Kim Swan, JP, MP
- Sen. Robin Tucker, JP
“Members of the public are invited to submit, in writing, any information that they feel will assist the Commission in completing its work. Written submissions can be sent to bcbc@gov.bm.
“Additionally, there will be three town hall meetings throughout the island to provide voters the opportunity to ask questions and hear more about the Commission’s work:
- Monday, 23 September at Penno’s Wharf Terminal from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, 24 September at The Berkeley Institute from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, 25 September at Dalton E. Tucker Primary School from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Bermuda Constituency Boundaries Commission information sheet [PDF here]:
Given that the polling station for the upcoming by-election is reported to be the church at which the PLP candidate is rector, perhaps a look at polling stations is in order too.
Also a good time to seriously consider a reduction in Constituencies from 36 to 18. 18 is plenty for such a small population.