Penn shares thoughts on Smith, Mather returning to NDP
Opposition Leader and National Democratic Party (NDP) Chairman Marlon Penn has addressed growing speculation about whether former members Lorna Smith and Stacy Mather could return to the party ahead of the next general election.
During an appearance on the Kross Talk podcast recently, Penn was asked whether Smith or Mather had been invited back or whether there was a possibility of them rejoining the party. Penn made it clear that while politics often leaves room for unexpected developments, his current focus remains firmly on rebuilding the party with those already committed.
“I’ve learned in politics that you never say never,” Penn said, adding that Smith has already resigned from the NDP and, to his understanding, has been making efforts to align with the ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP).
Penn said he was uncertain about Mather’s current political direction but stressed that the NDP is concentrating on strengthening its existing base rather than looking outward. “Our people are in the room, and we’re gonna work with the people in the room on how we’re going to move this country forward,” he stated.
The NDP leader pointed to what he described as strong internal support following the party’s recent internal elections, noting that more than 120 delegates participated in the process. According to Penn, that level of engagement signals both the “strength” and “maturity” of the organisation as it prepares for the next electoral cycle.
Smith, a prominent political figure and former NDP member, has been at the centre of political shifts in recent years, including her decision to step away from the party and her subsequent alignment with the government side. Her potential political movements continue to generate public interest, particularly as both major parties position themselves ahead of constitutionally due elections in 2027.
Mather, meanwhile, has remained a subject of speculation in political circles, though his intentions have not been clearly outlined publicly. Penn’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts by the NDP to present a united front after years of internal divisions, with party leaders repeatedly signalling that consolidation and grassroots engagement will be key to mounting a serious challenge to the incumbent administration.
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We all know politics has become a rat race , and with these wannabe politicians its all about themselves and without integrity, it’s just another version of the FAMOUS ” rodeo games ” made ( popular) by the “notorious BIG ” so these set of PRETENDERS only dishing out “sweet on their own indigenous BVISLANDERS using their knowledge / theatrics / gimmicks and a few dollars thrown here & there like buying other wannabe politicians ( like , the new black slave trade ) and it’s all for the ” ALL MIGHTY POWER ” that they all crave – and as csc eloquently put it put they have sold their souls to the DEVIL ■ which is only going to blight the country evilness will never prevail look at hati as a typical example. we now have some fake holy men here , who has finally exposed themselves ( no surprise there – we already knew they were only using the Bible as a front) they are more into politics than the set of wannabe politicians we got here on the loose . all ah dem like a bunch ah calypsonians the bushup – collecting “seedz ” csc – playing with – “front” and the quiet one hollering out ” no corruption here ” ( and they really believe we are that stupid to believe , that the fantasy that they believe in their minds , that we believe it too •
Ypur post see to be prasing CSC and condeming him at the same time which is it?
Lorna will not win. No need to make her relevant. Mather stand a chance at large, now I am hearing he wants to run in #3 where he has no chance…#3 is Aaron turn, he deserves that..
Do we really want progress in the BVI? How does one make a decision to vote for someone by saying it is their turn? Their turn? Are we serious? What about leadership abilities and competence?
Capability isn’t seen in speech but in action. We have seen Aaron for years in action; he has not been relying on govt resources to work district 3. Is he capable; yes. Others got the opportunities and it is now his turn.
Wishing ppl happy birthday and having a few back to school events is nice. If that is what we call representation and action I guess that is why we are where we are. People who never ran anything cannot run anything.Study it!
You sound really dumb tbh. Aaron is not at the level for proper representation. Being a good go for doesn’t make you a good legislator.
No one in their right mind will follow Marlon
The NDP will have another defeat with Marlon as the leader. Sorry I will not be supporting them. Marlon does not have confidence because I do not see him as a leader. I know I’m not the only one who thinks this. The very people around him know this but they prop him up for their own benefit. It’s all very sad.
But it was Mark who took Lorna to VIP; she 1 versus the few from NDP and few from PVIM. She one.
Wows. Just WOW! Lorna will not return to NDP this late in the game unless they offer her something tangible which they can’t as they themselves (NDP) don’t see a clear path the the seats they need to form the government.
Mather was never a NDP. So the article is inaccurate in saying he would ‘return’. He was ever only to date with PVIM. Marlon pretty much closed that door by saying he’s looking inwards not out.
Under this current NDP leadership, it doesn’t seem to have the strength that they envisioned when their announcement was made. Things very well could fall apart closer to election as various campaigns funding are stretched and candidates feel the pinch.
Those who are opposed to Marlon and the NDP are you going to support another 4 years of incompetence, bad roads, poor health care, no vision for education, and all the social ills and dont talk about the waste of money. Marlon has experience. Don’t forget the current premier didn’t have much. I will take Marlon and NDP over the current group any day. Haven’t seen any other alternative so far.
Marlon is a bigger waste of time. Remind me of his achievements in the District again. We wanted the VIP gone, but with Marlon at the helm, we will take the VIP over the oncoming debacle who cannot walk in Natalio’s shoes.
To the Resident……
Marlon with be the next Premier so you can swim all the way to hell and back say what the hell you want to say..NDP no cross floor aga
Marlon becoming Premier would be a disaster for the BVI. He has been poor rep for district 8. He would be a poor Premier as well. We expect better for the country when we continue to promote mediocrity
All 12 have to go except Myron.
A couple ah tings come to mind , lets use a Lil common sence / if csc the “city slicker” talked on himself – U still have to give jack his jacket – he was admitting what he did or is doing / and thats ” honestly yapping ” hey a Lil confession is good for his soul , the dude who who was caught on tape hollering out ” this ain’t his first “RODEO GAME ” and the rest is history ■ and even his “side kick” is giving him ” praises ” while embelishing what he did as an “honest mistake ” ( isn’t that hypocrisy- CONFUSING-? now try again and this time , put on your glasses , please ○¿○ ( ah gorne again – Cya
With this man as leader NDP is digging itself into a deep hole it won’t climb out any time soon – certainly not in time for the general election
He will have experience of many beside him. In his 2nd term as Premier he should be grooming others.