Penn urged to fix NDP before fixing BVI
Opposition Leader Marlon Penn said the National Democratic Party (NDP) intends to address its internal matters privately while focusing publicly on rebuilding the organisation and presenting itself as a viable alternative government ahead of the next general election.
Penn made the remarks during the NDP Radio programme, which aired on May 18, after a caller argued that the party needed to resolve its internal conflicts before addressing wider issues affecting the Virgin Islands.
Several callers questioned the state of the party following years of political division involving former members and splinter groups. One caller specifically referred to former Fourth District representative Mark Vanterpool’s exit and asked whether the party intended to deal with the matter publicly.
Vanterpool left the party abruptly after failing to secure the post of Chairman during the party’s recent internal elections. He launched the People’s Leadership Movement (PLM) earlier this month, contending that his grassroots faction would determine who ultimately leads the country.
“Before you try to fix the country, I will say, you have to fix your party first. Because that will show people that you’re really ready to run the country,” the caller told Penn.
We don’t need to air our dirty laundry
Penn responded by saying the matter would be handled internally.
“I don’t think we need to be airing our laundry in public right now,” Penn stated. “I think it’s important for us to focus on what we’re focused on tonight, which is to move forward with the people of the Virgin Islands.”
Penn said the party had already begun rebuilding after what he described as “very difficult years” politically for the organisation and its members.
“We were able to get back together after some very difficult years for this organisation and for all of us politically,” Penn stated. “We as persons who love these Virgin Islands said, look, we have to do what is in the best interest of the Virgin Islands.”
A focus on engaging residents
During the programme, Penn repeatedly stressed that the NDP intended to focus on engaging residents throughout the territory and rebuilding public confidence through its actions.
“Our unity is going to show in our actions,” Penn told listeners.
At-Large representative Ronnie Skelton also addressed the party’s past divisions, saying political splits were not unusual when members developed different views on the country’s direction.
“The breakup of people in political parties is not a new thing and it will happen again,” Skelton stated.
Meanwhile, NDP Vice Chairman Melvin Turnbull said the reunited opposition team understood the public wanted unity among members who had previously separated politically.
The NDP has experienced several internal fractures in recent years, including the formation of breakaway political movements and the departure of senior members following disagreements over leadership and the direction of the party.
Penn admitted that the divisions contributed to weakened electoral performances and public scrutiny over the party’s future. He said the party was now focused on rebuilding “from the ground up” by reconnecting with communities across the territory. “Trust is earned. It has to be rebuilt,” Penn stated.
Copyright 2026 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
Ndp has no credibility to come before the people, they have lost it after they allegedly rigged the internal election
What pi** Ronnie is saying that it will happen again? Ndp is politically unstable so I sticking with the vip
Marlon allegedly rigged the election. What unity can he bring after doing that? I heard people were put to vote in all kinds of districts that they were not from. Marlon stick delegates all over who were his family and friends. They say even big daddy from district 6 was put to vote in district 8 as one of Marlon’s district delegates. If that is true something wrong. Mark right to leave
We the public need to put pressure on Marlon and Mitch for them to not accept the GREEDY BILL money that they voted with Andrew Fahie to take from our treasury. Marlon will go home with over 1 million dollars and Mitch with nearly the same. OUTRAGEOUS! We should not reward them with the government so they could collect even more money because of the new salary increases given to members of the legislature. WE DEMAND THAT MARLON AND MITCH WRITE TO THE LEGISLATURE TO SAY THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT THE GREEDY BILL MONEY. WE WANT TO SEE THE LETTER!
GREEDY SOBs
The QUIET WANNABE PASTOR OF THE HOLY TRIO FROM CGB WENT ON TV AND HOLLERED OUT WITH A SMILE ( WE DON’T HAVE ANY “CORRUPTION” HERE IN THIS HOLY LAND, CALLED TORTOLA) SO YOU DISRESPECTING THE HOLY HYPOCRITE AND THE OTHER TWO WHO HAS TRANSFORMED THEMSELVES INTO EXPERT “POLITRICKSIANS” IS IN TOTAL AGREEMENT WITH THEIR TEAM MATE AND IS PREPARING TO SAVE SOME PEOPLE BY PUT DOWN A “SHEET AH LIKX ” ON THEM • ( ESPECIALLY MARK AND WALWYN ) CINDY GOT TO WATCH OUT / HER INNOCENT DOG WERE KILLED A COUPLE AH YEARS AGO , SO GIRL PLEASE BE CAREFUL , THESE ARE DESPERATE PEOPLE WHO USES THE BIBLE AS A FRONT TO DECIEVE US ( BUT KARMA WILL SOON CATCH UP WITH THEM ■
Mark is the problem.
Marlon is and has been the problem.
When will the voting public finally realise that Marlon is neither a leader nor someone who possesses genuine leadership qualities? From the outside looking in, it often appears that he has spent much of his political career riding on the coattails of others rather than carving out a record of his own. Now that he has been pushed to the forefront, he seems more like a deer caught in headlights.
A political party can never truly unite when its leader’s primary focus appears to be holding on to the top position at all costs, almost like a spoilt child refusing to let go. Leadership requires vision, decisiveness, and the ability to inspire confidence, yet there is little evidence of any of these qualities being demonstrated consistently.
What tangible progress or success can he point to after all his years in politics? His own district remains in disarray, which naturally raises questions about his ability to lead on a national level. Throughout much of his political career, he has largely remained in the background within the party, rarely standing out as a strong or transformative figure.
The reality is the NDP appears divided and aimless under his leadership rather than concentrated and cohesive. Without clear achievements, strong leadership, or a unifying vision, it is difficult to see how meaningful progress can be made with him at the helm.
Our nation needs a lot of prayer for this upcoming talking season of empty promises and poor leadership contenders!!!
Opposition Leader Marlon Penn said the National Democratic Party (NDP) intends to address its internal matters privately while focusing publicly on rebuilding the organisation and presenting itself as a viable alternative government ahead of the next general election.
YOU MEN AND WOMEN SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS THREE AND A HALF TYEARS AGO. CUT THE CHASE.