Picko Moff: Voters, not politicians, are BVI's real problem

Vlogger Kaream "Picko Moff" Pickering has issued a forceful call to Virgin Islands voters to look past campaign promises and giveaways before the next general election, placing blame for the territory's governance failures squarely on the electorate itself.

In a profanity-laden Facebook post, Pickering singled out politicians across both major parties, including Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley, Health Minister Vincent Wheatley, Junior Financial Services Minister Lorna Smith, Third District Representative Julian Fraser and PLM leader Mark Vanterpool, but reserved his harshest words for voters. "The politicians are not the problem. The people are the problem, because these fellows have track records," he said.

Vanterpool drew particular fire from Pickering, who questioned why residents regard him as a political saviour. Pickering pointed to Vanterpool's eight years as Minister of Communication, noting that water problems remain unsolved despite that tenure. "He's in the media talking about the water issue is easy to fix… He was the Minister of Communication for eight years, and he didn't fix it then. What makes him so special now?" Pickering asked.

Pickering urged voters to accept election season gifts without allowing them to influence their ballot choices. "Eat Mark food, eat he food. He's gonna spend a lot of money on election so eat he food. Whatever fridge or stove or furniture he gives out of OneMart, just take it and vote against him," he said.

The vlogger also condemned successive VIP governments for raising fees while worker pay has stalled. He cautioned against voting for candidates based on family ties and expressed frustration with older voters, whom he said dominate voting patterns in their districts.

Pickering's outburst reflects mounting discontent across the territory as election day approaches. In recent months, activists and social media commentators have increasingly aired grievances about water shortages, infrastructure gaps, healthcare concerns, rising living costs and slow development progress, urging voters to prioritise substance over party loyalty and personality.