NDP announces big meeting as it tries to revamp

The governing National Democratic Party (NDP) is hosting another general meeting as it tries to gauge the perspectives of its members and supporters, and to better organize the political organization.

The general meeting, which will be held at 6pm tomorrow (March 22), comes amid talks that members of the party are likely to elect a new leader ahead of the next general election. The current leader, Premier Dr D Orlando Smith, is likely to quit.

The meeting, which follows a smaller one held in January, also comes amid concerns that some NDP members raised recently about the state of the political organization as well as the government.

“The idea is that they’ve been trying to organize the party for quite some time,” said a leading NDP member who requested anonymity.

“The members feel that they have some questions and some concerns that they would like to air. So, they agreed to have a general meeting where the members can come. All the ministers [of government] will be there for discussion.”

“Following on from this meeting, then they will have the organization of the executive committee, and they will have regular meetings leading up to a convention. There is a party constitution; the structure is there. Over the years, things have become relaxed. They are just working to get the organization in place,” added the senior party member.

“We just need to revamp the organization and get it going.”

The NDP, in media advertisement, said its members and supporters should attend the meeting at 6pm tomorrow in Columbus Building, beside Village Cay.

“Come prepared to share your views and get answers to your questions and concerns. The NDP is still the best hope for the BVI,” said the governing party.