Penn and Skelton deny ‘power-grab’ claims
Opposition legislator Marlon Penn has dismissed claims that the reunification of the National Democratic Party (NDP) was driven by a personal power quest, insisting that the move is rooted in respect, collaboration and the needs of the people of the Virgin Islands.
Speaking during the May 5 relaunch of NDP Radio alongside former PVIM leader Ronnie Skelton, Penn addressed public rumours about the motives behind the recent merger of the NDP and the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM).
“All the notions out there… it’s not true. We’ve been working on this,” Penn said. “It’s not rooted in our trust or our love or our desire for power or empowering ourselves. It’s about the people of this country.”
“Totally inaccurate,” he responded when asked directly whether the decision to reunify the two parties was due to an unwillingness to relinquish control. “If you see the history of both Honourable Skelton and myself, that’s not the case in terms of our sojourn through politics over the years.”
Skelton echoed the sentiment, arguing, “Anyone who knows me… this is not about power. I just want to be part of a team that is constructive, that wants to help our country… You have to put aside your differences and work and find common goals to move forward. And that’s what we did.”
The NDP and PVIM, which split in 2019, announced a reunification effort earlier this year, noting that the fragmentation had weakened the opposition’s electoral prospects.
“The numbers clearly state that if we continue along that path… the possibility is there that we will sit in the opposition,” Skelton said.
The renewed alliance has pledged to follow a democratic process in selecting new officers and leadership. “The next step is to have a democratic process to ensure that the officers within the organisations are elected democratically, which we’ve committed to,” Penn stated.
When asked to dispel rumours that a leadership convention was being stalled due to internal power struggles, Penn responded, “The path is going to be to restructure in a structured way, to get to a convention. The organisation will then choose its leadership. And once that is done, we move forward.”
He also rejected claims that the NDP has never been for “the small man”, pointing to social support programmes and opportunities created under previous NDP administrations. “No government has given young contractors more opportunities than under the NDP. The evidence is there to prove this,” he said.
Skelton, who previously served as Finance Minister, added: “Wherever you are, you’re for everybody – small, big, medium.”
The NDP leadership said it will continue to engage the public through its district committees and has already started developing its national vision. The party expects to hold its convention later this year.
“We’re moving in a structure,” Penn said. “But we’re bringing the people along with us, and not just us dictating what should happen.”
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Look at those two power hungry and b**minded l**y men.
Let’s take Ronnie first:
He broke up the NDP because he lost their internal party elections. He went to form PVIM. Mitch and Mather saw that he was a waste of time and formed an alliance with Myron. Ronnie then dissolves PVIM without even telling his colleagues and the party members and run back to NDP because he lost the leader of the opposition position. If he is not in charge he can’t serve. His time is past and he need to go home. He can’t speak to save his life. What has he done for the last two years. MR. ENTITLEMENT!
Let’s look at Marlon
L**y and unproductive person. He grab hold of the NDP in 2019 and held it under his arm like it is his personal property. The party had no convention for 7 years and remained in shambles. He refused to join with Myron, Mitch and Mather all because he was concerned about being the leader.
Marlon and Ronnie were both leaders of NDP and PVIM for the same time. Over those 7 years they could not join back because of power struggles. One wanted to be Premier for two years and the other for two years. They couldn’t come together in 2023 elections either. All of sudden these gentlemen form an alliance and in a matter of days they come back together. SELF INTEREST! That is all that is. A set of jokers! Not my vote
You definately hit all the revelant points that show why neither is suited to lead the territory
The Alliance wake up these two dead from the cemetery. They run to join back because of the formation of the alliance. Now they run back on NDP only because the alliance started a talk show last week. These are not leaders. They are followers motivated by malice and hatred. Their hatred for Myron is their only motivation. A bad set of people.
Listening to their radio show last night revealed that Cline is the head of this party which seems to move more like a mafia family. Skeletor and Smurf were marching to the Don Bishop’s orders like good little soldiers.
It was the John Cline Radio Show. John had to guide their thoughts. He had to clarify their sentences. He had to summarize the show. Shameful!
Who they think they’re fooling? Why couldn’t you all join back from 2019-2025? Why?
But you join back in two days after the leader of the opposition changed?
Explain that to the public. You’re power hungry! Concerned only about holding on to leadership positions when you both do nothing.
If the alliance could motivate these two deads then can you imagine what they could do for this country? The fact is that nothing would have been done by these men if the alliance did not take steps. That is a fact!
You two need to stop this school yard mentality. This power grab BS needs to stop.
The show was poor. It lacked rhythm and coordination. My first thought is that it was just a quick response to the Alliance show that started last week. Not impressed. They were both incoherent especially the elder Skelton. Bishop Cline had to fit his words together for them to make sense to me. SMH. When your motivation is not based solely in something good it will always show up. Marlon and Ronnie came back together because they can’t stand the thought of Myron becoming Premier of the BVI. They could deny it but anyone watching could see this. I want no part of this unholy relationship.
You all better go look for the alliance members because what I heard last night was pitiful. An old man grumbling and grappling for words and the younger one trying to play like he was in control but clearly is not.
Why it took 7 years for these two to get on the same page?
Why what didn’t happen in 7 years happened in two days after Hon. Walwyn became leader of the opposition?
Based on those responses I would determine if there is a power hungry approach. I suspect that it is but I would really like to hear the answer to those questions.
fu**y man out blogging all day we can read through it we will rather return the VIP to power than any power-hungry island man running my country
The “fu**y man” as you call him is suited to lead. He always had the aptitude but did not display the leadership principles , but I believe he has learned those disciples and since he already has a grasp of the issue he would take the territory where it needs to go. Business people tend to get tangible things accomplished , professors forever live in the realm of theory and hypothesis
Now I see why John Cline went out of his way to smear the alliance when they came together. Now I understand. It is always self interest with these people. He is running with NDP.
That was the John Cline show! He directed their thinking. He clarified their incoherent statements, he had to interpret Ronnie’s mumbles. What a calamity!
I hope Alliance is paying that particular media house very well for their constant barraging of any story that relates to them. At least change up the syntax, structure and emotions in the comments that are being posted. It’s too obvious now.