General Elections were held in the British Virgin Islands on 28 November 1963 for all five seats in the Legislative Council.
Electoral System
The British Virgin Islands elects on territorial level to a unicameral legislature. In the Legislative Council, there are six representatives elected for a four year term - one elected for each of four districts, and two members in the second district. The Council also includes a President, one Legal Official, one Financial Official, two Nominated Official Members, and two Nominated Unofficial Members.
Background
The 1963 election served as a prelude to the introduction of Ministerial government in the next election in 1967. The three most prominent politicians elected, Lavity Stoutt, Q.W. Osborne and Ivan Dawson went on to form political parties in 1967 to contest the election once party politics was introduced to the jurisdiction.
Political Parties & Candidates
At the time candidates were not affiliated with political parties.
Results
The following candidates were elected to the Legislative Council:
District |
Member(s) |
1st District |
H. Lavity Stoutt |
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2nd District |
Isaac G. Fonseca |
Arnando Scatliffe |
 |
3rd District |
Ivan Dawson |
 |
4th District |
Terrance B. Lettsome |
 |
5th District |
Q. William Osborne |
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Prior to 1967 there were no Ministerial appointments in the British Virgin Islands, but elected politicians did undertake certain Ministerial type responsibilities. Subsequent to the election, Lavity Stoutt was appointed Member for Communications and Works, and Ivan Dawson was appointed Member for Trade and Production. |
Dissolution of House |
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Nomination Day |
Fri, 5 Nov 1963 |
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Polling Day |
Thu, 28 Nov 1963 |
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First Meeting of Parliament |
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