NDP rebrands: ‘Life is different since party formed 20 years ago’
NDP leader Myron Walwyn (right) and deputy leader Marlon Penn.
The National Democratic Party (NDP) is rebranding itself in what its leader, Myron Walwyn, has described as a more modern party from when it was created some two decades ago.
The rebranding, Walwyn said, marks the handing over of the party’s leadership to a ‘younger generation’.
“The founding values upon which the party was built are still there because we still believe in them. What we are doing in our commitment to service is recognising that we are now in the 21st century — we heading into the third decade of the 21st century and life is different now than when the party was formed 20 years ago,” Walwyn explained during an NDP press conference on Monday.
“People are more informed, they are more demanding, a lot is happening with technology and different things so we are saying that, with this new NDP, we are shifting the gear to make sure that this party — [while] maintaining the core values — still responds to the needs of a new and emerging community,” he added.
Walwyn further seized the opportunity to also explain why he believes the NDP is the best of the total four political parties that are expected to contest the next general elections on or before April 16 next year.
Party’s good outweighs bad, says Walwyn
He first noted his experience as a successful businessman in two of the territory’s strongest sectors — financial services and tourism. He also noted statistics from a 2018 political survey by the Caribbean Development Research Services, which reported him as the best-performing minister in government.
Walwyn further argued that his party has had numerous accomplishments throughout its consecutive two terms as a government.
He said: “What I would also say is that the NDP has done a lot of good things. I only hear people take out three or four [negative] things and use that to define the record of the NDP. That is not true. When you are judging somebody [or] when you are judging a situation, you write down the good, and you write down the bad. If the bad outweighs the good you have a problem. [But], I can tell you today, over the two terms on the NDP, we have done far more good.”
Dark clouds hanging over the NDP
The ‘negative aspects’ the politician was seemingly referring to was in relation to, among other things, the controversies surrounding BVI Airways, the cruise pier project that had a cost overrun of more than $30 million dollars, and the wall erected around the Elmore Stoutt High School campus — the audit report of which is to be laid and debated in the House of Assembly this week.
And while responding to recent claims from inside the breakaway party — Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) — that the NDP has ‘lost its core values’, Walwyn said: “What I would simply say [is that] I don’t share those views. What somebody ‘lost’ was an [internal] election”.
PVIM members Ronnie Skelton and Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull formed their own political movement months after losing their campaign for leadership of the NDP. Both men have maintained that the PVIM was not formed because of their defeat.
Meanwhile, below is an extract from what the party described as its new ‘Commitment of Service’ as part of its rebranding.
Through this Commitment of Service with the people of the Virgin Islands, the National Democratic Party hereby declares that it stands for the following:
We will continue to build a strong and vibrant economy, capable of generating sustainably high levels of growth, with the benefits to be fairly shared among the people of the Virgin Islands and support a continued high standard of living for our people as the just reward for their efforts.
An inclusive approach to politics where emphasis is placed on consensus-building that brings our people together in the noble endeavour of national development, instead of dwelling on differences which only promote discord, division and undermine cooperation in the national interest.
Respect for democracy. We believe that if democracy is to have more meaning to the average citizen beyond the two-minute exercise of voting every four years, there must be an expansion of opportunities for people’s genuine participation in the business of government, especially through ideas and suggestions that inform the development of public policy.
Good Governance based on Respect for the Rule of Law, Honesty, Integrity, Transparency, Accountability and seeing these core values reflected in the conduct of public officials, both elected and appointed, as the cornerstone of efficient, responsive and responsible government.
Visionary Government which is people-centred, solutions-driven and geared towards the delivery of better results. To reform and render government “fit for purpose” today in the fundamentally different environment of the 21 st Century, reconfiguration is necessary to ensure greater responsiveness to the needs of citizens.
Patriotism which speaks to genuine devotion and love of country, putting the best interests of Virgin Islanders and Belongers first in every consideration, and defending and preserving traditional aspects of Virgin Islands culture and heritage which make us who we are, define our way of life and differentiate us from the rest of the world.
Unity. We support unity among all the people who call these islands home, because we all share a common interest in the continued success of the Virgin Islands. We see uniting our people as the basis of social cohesion for the peaceful and orderly development of our Territory through deep respect for human rights, muti-ethnicity, non- discrimination and protection of vulnerable and marginalized groups.
Balanced development. Such occurs from a philosophical understanding that development of the economy must ultimately be for the benefit of the society and its people. It is about the pursuit of the Biblical ideal of the just society where people’s happiness comes through fair access to public services for fulfillment of their developmental needs such as education, health care, sanitation, a clean and healthy environment, access to justice and good infrastructure. When a strong economy supports a strong society, no one who is focused on improving his or her life is really left behind.
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Thumbs up if you want vip win
Thumbs down if you want ndp win
I see a coalition (or a collision) government.
However, for Myron to remind us that he was the best performing minister with an overall 5.7 (out of ten) rating is a stretch. This rating which would be a C, is mediocre to average at best.
He was the best of an average bunch.
If you wan Andrew be next premier thumbs up
If you wan Myron be next premier thumbs down
leaving politics out, this is a difficult one because the 2 of them are cool from what I have seen. I honestly would not choose but go with whoever the people select
Andrew Fahie and Myron Walwyn are both young, smart BVIslanders who are always among the people and understand the people. I like both but I’m leading more towards Walwyn at this time to lead the Territory. It would have been nice if we had both of them on the same team working together to move the Territory forward.
Totally agree. I’m team Myron but for real, I have to give Andrew his props. He be out here on his grind also.
it’s all about the vanterpools now yeah
My earliest memory of Walwyn was a long time ago when he had a little restaurant in the building with Columbian Emeralds. He was like a busy bee doing real work with a serious face, and that image of him stuck with me. The image of a hard working man. Just look at his personal accomplishments since that time. The man may not have one of those faces that wear a smile all the time. But I believe he is a genuine and sincere man. His enemies will never destroy him for one simple reason. He is a good person. He will win the election next year.
Ok My run. We know you are the silent Observer. Good try
this is 100% not Myron. Just one of the persons that admires his works and achievements in life.
I used to admired Donald Trump until he became President. Bring back Obama. Now that’s a LEADER with morals and integrity . Of which Myron has none.
No he will not!!
I agree… I met him 16 years ago when I first came here.. he was working very hard at the Moorings Base and when he was not working he had his head in his books studying… I have watched him work endlessly since and if I was able to vote here he would get all my votes !
A person is usually entitled to one vote. That you would vote more than one is cause for concern.
Thank God you are not able to vote because is people like you who destroy one’s country and run back to where you are from when the shit hits and leave the locals to swim in it. There is a God.
Works hard? Maybe( for himself and a select few. Why has the Elmore Stoutt still not being sorted out as a priority number 1? MEC after school programme is an utter failure and flop. Watch the kids idle all day while parents are bursting their butts working. Works hard you say! Gimme a damn break! The water monies on the ‘frills’ could’ve been better utilized for our youths that he claims to love so much. Eloquent words and catch phrases with the associated gimmicks does not make a good or great leader – just another grifter/con that the gullible public fall for. Same with ALL these politicians scrambling about all day in and out.
Just stop talking foolishness. Myron creates enemies because he doesn’t like anyone who tries to hold him accountable. Everyone has a story and his is no different to anyone else. He is a dictator and a divider. If the BVI wants a bright future then it is best to keep him far from leadership.
Walwyn had a chance and he failed. Our schools are literally in ruins. They have never been worse. The quality of our education system has not improved and many argue that it has gotten much worse.
He squandered over a million dollars on a project to curry favor with 70 contractors while providing no value to us or our children. Was the wall necessary? Was the $7.2m that he approved necessary? Were the cost over runs on the pier necessary?
His excuse is “well this is what happened in the past with Orlando’s hospital” so it must be ok today. WRONG, it’s time for a change. No more business as usual.
The Education System in the BVI is at it’s all time best. Give jacket his jacket. The system has been redesign that caters to all children. Even children with disabilities. The man is doing his work. The wall was needed. The amount of drugs and weapons use to come in through the fence. Come on. You might dislike his ways, but he is doing a d**m good job.
This man need too stop our edcuation was always high standed so please check our history there was wood cooking sewing music 4auto so what new this man do
Really. Define good. Can you please produce some form of statistics to back up your big mouth. By the way when last have you visited the inside of the schools here. You will be singing a different song and you will be able to collect your own data.
Correction:
Spending $425K on a Med School study that to date has shown no benefit to the BVI = Squandering
Spending over $900K and utilizing local contractors to get a piece of the pie, to build a wall that we can all see and that is fit for purpose = Not squandering
The process by which the wall was built was severely flawed but to call it squandering cannot be fair when the wall was appraised at roughly around the as built (thus far) costs. It will be laid this Thursday so we can all listen in for the facts.
I guess you and God had a meeting. Tell us all about it. Lol
Are some people hiring people to blog favourable things about them?
WE DON’T WANT NO PREMIER WITH OUTSIDE PARENTAGE BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT REPRESENT THE INDIGENOUS BVISLANDERS
I heard that guy said “we can no longer pass laws to protect locals”
I heard him too. LOUD AND CLEAR. So if he can’t do anything for the locals why is he running for the highest position in this country. Confused mind wants to know.
The man that spearheaded the technical school which is accredited by City & Guilds, thereby making it possible for the first time in the BVI for young people to get a school leaving diploma in a trade and he doesn’t care about local people? The first minister to introduce the flag raising/lowering in schools. The first minister to introduce a territorial song which we are all proud of. The first minister to put in place the official territorial wear. The first minister to be seen any and everywhere as we go along our business, keeping in to touch with the regular people. He doesn’t care about the locals you say? But the man who goes from work to home and back in his posh ride cares about the BVI because he says so?
And one of the first minister who have helped ran this country straight into the ground.
We need to see above fluff and the running from bar to bar making people believe that it is about them. Do you check how much time is given at any one bar or how much conversation is held? This is just Myron style to confuse you and make you believe the best in him. He is all about himself. You do not have to take my word for it; just listen to him speak and you will always here the word “I” many many times. He loves power and will trample on anyone to get his way. There is a lot to be told and it will come out in the wash soon and very soon! STAY TUNED.
The NDP destroyed this country and brought us to our knees.
that this is a majority island people dominated party. this party is intended to represent island people alone. the majority of the candidates have parents from down island so what that tells you? we have to keep our eyes on this party because they are trying to send a message to us. tolians ayo be careful
check for ayo self and see who all are promoting this party, it’s island people alone. they are behind this party because they see a island man as their savior. bvi people ayo watch the game because bvi landers are fast becoming endangered species in their own land. the caribs and arawaks were chased out of this land before us so be mindful and watch the game people. don’t let this man fool ayo, he has a hidden agenda. we were living here peacefully before the ndp came on the scene. this man is turning us against them in a smart way so he could win the election
The island people always talk about back home. Back home this and back home that . Like there is nothing good here. Really. Look who are fighting to vote and look who they want win. I guess their countries don’t look so good now.
You seem to be quite ignorant with your thinking. So if one is not from here and reminisces about something they’re fond of back home, does that mean they are concluding that there is nothing good here? Can one not like multiple things or places? Do YOU not like multiple things or places? Obviously persons who aren’t from here are here for a reason, whether job opportunities or to put down roots, so they must like something about here. I find in this tiny territory there’s a lot of hate. It is practically the same thing as slavery where black people were considered as nothing….property to be owned, but here it is in the nationality context where people are against each other because of where they originate. STOP THIS NASTY, HATEFUL, WICKED MENTALITY. Sure if a person’s behavior is unbecoming call that particular person out on it if you must but don’t generalize. Just sickening. And yes, I am FROM HERE for curious minds.
Hate is on both sides. Ohers can be proud of where they come from but a Virgin Islander is not suppose to express pride in their country. Everybody get upset when they do.
It is really plain to see that he has an agenda or he wouldn’t be telling the young Vrgin Islanders not to come home when they finish college. Years ago the Virgin Islands party had things in place to see that after college one can return home and get a job. Now not so Ronnie and Myron tell them do not come back go find a job out there. What sense is in giving scholarships to students and then encourage them not to come back to contribute to the community that paid for their education, but you can employ people from Timbuktu. Myron and Ronnie them have killed the BVI and now asking for more time to bury it. All of you from the other Islands do not be blindsided and think a vote for Myron is good for you. Remember some of you have BVI born children and all of us will suffer.
Seem to me like NDP is on to something. If we cannot recognize change within our selves we will always have problems. I believe that was the mistake the leader of PVIM made.
Instead of being a genuine leader and fix the problems. He chose to destroy as if nothing of the past mattered. Not a good example of leadership.
Leadership is about facing adversity, and recognizing how to deal with it.
And also learning to Agree to Disagree.
Agree to disagree AGREEABLY.
This man done mess up our country now come talking piddle
Those St. Lucian consultants hard at work so that more of their people can get high level jobs.
This Myron and the NDP has put us in total financial disaster and is now telling us that they will get us out. NONSENSE!!!
I didn’t see the sense in this press conference because whatever he says he’s going to do in the future he can do it now because he’s in the government now. Just a new way of trying to see if he can fool us again.
@Silent Observer, So true. Myron have a good heart and he is a good person.He worked hard for what he has now accomplished.
We will start to see if we can have confidence in you when you bring back our tac payers money from that over priced Elmore Stoutt High School wall project.
This man’s mimistry needs to be fully investigated. Too many questionable transactions. We the people are the only losers.
The Ministry does not write cheques and can’t withdraw monies from the Government accounts.
The conductor doesn’t play music but he instructs the band
No ministry in government can write cheques. There is a system and if we are saying things are being paid that shouldn’t be, then let’s fix the system. I would bet you that CDB loan funds are never paid out unless thorough evaluations are done. We can simply adopt the same methods but do we really want that?
This man organize his own survey and polls and made it seem as if he had nothing to do with it. The survey pleased who had them hired and named him the best Minister. Now he’s here glowing in the results of his own organized polls. What a c– artist.
You guys are mad!!
Yes, mad and very bitter too!!!!
Come on now LOL,you know that is some fake news S**t. Byeeee,have a good day. NEXT.
Also big article on the news about stopping the negative blogging (so predictable) as if everyone doesn’t know who much of it comes from where PVIM is concerned lol. BVI people must look like Idiots. From a man isn’t humble enough to truly apologize, they like to call other candidates power hungry, arrogant and cocky etc but who more these things than Myron. Jokes..
You sound real crazy about now. Anything to discredit thé man.
No matter what a pig dresses up as it is still a pig.
I second that
…of our next Premier and Deputy Premier.
The NDP cannot rebrand when the main camcer cell is at the head.
Hey, the correct spelling is CANCER. Another thing, no matter how much you don’t like a person, you never use that word to describe the person when you are throwing stones. You never know. Think about that.
Myron just stop it. We will not fall for this public relation gimmic of trying to play with our heads that you have changed. We are tired of persons like you trying to fool us.
The NDP is the most corrupt government EVER!
Think that until the history of past VIP governments smack you between the eyes.
Breath of fresh air. I watched the press conference on facebook and it was refreshing to see two young aspiring leaders holding their own and not being negative to score political points. I had my doubts about the NDP but looking at the current landscape I must say that so far they seem like the team worth voting for.
They are. I like the way Myron move. That is one highly itellegent man. No matter what anyone have to say, he have class and he is a well dressed man.
That mean nothing if you more for yourself than the people, if you have no integrity and if you aren’t accountable.
Well dressed will certainly build back our community that this well dressed man helped destroyed. If you are looking to vote you need to go beyond a well dressed man. It says a lot about you.
Isn’t this the same man who built the trump wall and paid contractors with out trade licenses in full for jobs that they never completed?????
WHO PUT US IN THIS MESS CANT TAKE US OUT OF IT
Tell him go to st.lucia to look votes
Ministers could get kickbacks after the contractor cashed his check though?
Of course and so what? Are we to speculate that every single contractor will give kick backs?
We know who the king of kick backs is ask just Pop—–!
LIFE IS DIFFERENT NOW BECAUSE THEY ALL GOT RICH AND PURCHASED SEVERAL PROPERTIES AT HOME AND ABROAD
The Education System in the BVI is at it’s all time best. Give jacket his jacket. The system has been redesign that caters to all children. Even children with disabilities. The man is doing his work. The wall was needed. The amount of drugs and weapons use to come in through the fence. Come on. You might dislike his ways, but he is doing a damn good job.
You are making some bold statements without written facts. Post some facts with actual dates and statistics then we will talk. Plus you referenced yourself as a teacher. When last have you visited the inside of the schools here? If you have not do so. There are more to running the education department than those things you mentioned.
These 2 only vex because their hopes of becoming premier and deputy gone dim since ronnie ,kedric, mitch and shaina left. Them 2 could be leaders over ronnie and kedric dead bodies
Ronnie, Kedrick, Mitch and shaina. You serious?
Like it or not these are honest people
I hope people don’t get hoodwinked and fooled with this re-branding nonsense. Fact remains that although some new faces have arrived, two of the most influential remain at the helm: Mark and Myron. Who you think going to keep them under check? Bertie? Aaron? Diego? Alvera? Marlon? Really? Add to that Henry is the son of the first Lady and she will continue to have a major influence on the decisions of this organization as she is close to M and M.
The popular negative talk has been about BVI Airways, the Wall, TPP but lost in all that is the lack of transparency and accountability that are integral parts of those projects and that continues to be a major issue with the NDP. Recently in the HOA Hon. Walwyn suggested that the standing orders need to be changed to prevent the names of Contractees of the government being publicized. I found that to be very disconcerting and just a preview of what is to come should Hon. Walwyn and the NDP win. Business as usual.
I remain an independent voter and will vote for the best 5 individuals that I believe would best represent us.
up to yet he ain’t apologize to the governor
This ???????? ???????? ????????
I agree with you 100% that they should be held accountable but Hon. Walwyn touched on a very important point. Electing different parties over and over makes no sense as long as the system remains broken and filled with loopholes. Monies should not be paid out from government if projects are not completed in the proper manner and the fact that it’s happening is bigger than any party. The real issue is do we the voters want real change or we just want our people in there so we can benefit from the string pulling? Do we want proper systems at the Treasury to ensure that cheques aren’t cut until rules are properly followed or we want to continue to get our way because we have connections and can bypass regulations? It starts and ends with us. Demand systematic changes, adopt the CDB models for projects, institute a performance bonding system for all contracts over a certain amount to ensure value for money and quality workmanship. We can cuss each other out day in and day out but nothing will get better until the core systems are updated to prevent all this corruption talk.
The best thing about politics is no one vote is worth more than another. All these polls and bloggers with the most free time to like and comment praising one person over another still count as one vote per person. Everybody that have a radio or internet over the last 8 years know who put the country in this crisis.
You are making some bold statements without written facts. Post some facts with actual dates and statistics then we will talk. Plus you referenced yourself as a teacher. When last have you visited the inside of the schools here? If you have not do so. There are more to running the education department than those things you mentioned.
You all want to put the entire burden of mishandling the finances on Orlando. Maybe it was a serious conflict of interest for his brother in Law to be appointed a minister especially one that handles the outflow of money with projects in the ministry of C&W.
But the people are not just concern about that .It’s about the cronyism where only one set gets the work and it continues to happened even though the party is split.
This Government from top to bottom seem to have a trickle down economics mindset. The big wheels will get the pie and others who are poor or out of the loop will get the crumbs or if any at all.
Marlon the people of the eight district has told you not to stay in a party that is alleged to be controlled by rich foreign interest.
No matter who heads it they will call the shots but you are not listening. But they will speak to you sometime between now and April 15th.
The BVI is a tiny Territory with 30K people. How many local businesses do we expect to qualify, bid on and be awarded government projects?
Right because you know of a Government where rich persons would not have influence over.