Cline applauds Walwyn, Skelton after NDP leadership loss
Outgoing National Democratic Party (NDP) president Bishop John Cline has publicly praised senior party figures Ronnie Skelton and Myron Walwyn for their conduct following their losses in the party’s recent internal elections, contrasting their response with that of former legislator Mark Vanterpool.
Vanterpool reportedly took back office space he gave the NDP and left the party after being dissatisfied with the way the internal elections were conducted.
Speaking during a Facebook address last week, Bishop Cline underscored the competitive nature of the race and the expectations placed on candidates.
“There were five people in the race, three for the chairmanship and two for the deputy chair,” he said, adding that the outcome reflected a democratic process within the party.
Cline pointed to Skelton’s reaction as an example of political maturity, noting that despite his long-standing role in the party, he accepted defeat without protest.
“Ronnie Skelton – who is a senior member of the House of Assembly, a founder of the NDP – did not get the top spot. As a matter of fact, he got the least amount of votes. And you don’t see him saying anything,” Cline stated.
He made a similar observation about Walwyn, who was unsuccessful in his bid for deputy chairman. “You don’t see Honourable Myron Walwyn, even though he may not have been pleased with the outcome of the deputy chair election — behaving in this way,” Cline added.
Cline said such responses demonstrate the level of discipline expected from those seeking leadership. “The country is not a game. The politics of the Virgin Islands is not a game. This is serious,” he stressed, warning against using politics as “some playground for their own personal ambitions.”
Vanterpool is a good man
While critical of Vanterpool’s reaction to the election loss, Cline also struck a personal note, acknowledging his past contributions.
“Mark has a very generous heart. His heart, when it comes to generosity – if you ask him for things, he will always try to help,” he said.
However, Cline argued that leadership requires more than generosity. “But when it comes to politics, no, sir, I think you need to leave it alone now because you have shown that there’s no stability, there’s no loyalty, and in my opinion, the love for country is secondary to your own ambitions,”
Cline maintained that the NDP remains focused on presenting disciplined and committed leadership, pointing to the conduct of its senior members as a signal of the party’s direction heading into the next general elections.
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Cline only applauding Walwyn because he lost the election. If he won it would have been criticism. You could clearly see that everything is being done to keep Myron down. The NDP did it during their convention. Who in their right mind would ever put Mitch over Myron. The government picked a constitutional negotiation team and left off the only lawyer who is elected and in my opinion the sharpest and most intellectual mind in the House of Assembly. You could only try to keep down somebody for so long. Promotion comes from God. If it’s God’s Will for Myron to be promoted there is nothing that any of those hateful people can do. The NDP treated Myron the way they did by colluding to keep him out but I am sure they still there waiting on him to help to jump start that dead party. I hope he would just concentrate on his district people and let Marlon and Mitch carry the weight since they did everything possible including defaming his name just to win.
Thanks this should stick . This is how this unctuous individual operates . Colluding to impact an outcome. Doing the exact samething at the BVI Health board , sacrificing and sabotaging the Health of the great people of the BVI to gain political points .Him and the other NDP memebers on the board. Wake up Mr. Premier get the out!!!!!
We see how they dealt with our representative. We waiting for Election Day. A quiet tongue keeps a still head.
OK WILMA/DORINDA. YOU ALL SHOULD ADVICE MYRON TO SWALLOW HIS BIG EGO AND GROW THE F**K UP AND JOIN THE V.I.P. THAT WAY HE MAY OR MAY NOT GET A MINISTRY THAT HE IS SOO DESPARATE TO GET.
That’s what Ayo want LOL. That would make VIP unstoppable. Don’t think he will do that though
If Myron join the VIP that is the end of the NDP period.
Hon.MWalwyn would be an execellent addition. Do t !! put the final nail in the coffin. VIP knows how to leverage expertise and excellence .Hon Myron is valuable
Ronnie didn’t exactly have a choice this time around but to stay silent and “tucked in”, which some are now mistaking for humility. His silence may have a lot to do with finishing dead last with just 17 votes. That alone explains why he’s been so quiet. And honestly, it makes perfect sense. Coming in dead last with 17 votes must be exhausting. I too would need time to process my overwhelming support.
Can MW be content with not even 2nd fiddle? Mark couldn’t and bounced harder than a NBA Finals bball. He tried to form his own party but rode the fence for far too long and now his bed is made for him to lay in. How long will he? Time will tell….
The bishUP , is saying )> yeah we got rid ah the ” threat ” and am the mastermind behind the plot , unfortunately “skelie” had to be sacrificed -TOO – . And for those who says am speaking with “FORKED TONGUES ” ( no big ting ) dem white colonists slave masters did it / so can *I* and am blessed .so “WHOSOEVER” looking POWER must first come unto to ME and be CLESNSED •