Chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Marlon Penn and leader of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) Ronnie Skelton have announced the reunification of their parties under the NDP banner.
In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, Penn explained that the decision was driven by the “reality” that the Virgin Islands’ political landscape is too small to sustain three dominant parties. He noted that the NDP and PVIM largely share the same support base, as PVIM was originally formed in 2019 as a breakaway faction of the NDP.
“This fragmentation has resulted in vote splitting in the last two elections, weakening both parties,” Penn said.
He emphasized that the move is not motivated by a thirst for power but by a shared vision for the Virgin Islands.
“Today’s announcement by Honourable Skelton and myself is rooted in a shared vision and love for these Virgin Islands and its people. Our only focus is to change the current trajectory of our beloved territory—from a place where citizens struggle to obtain basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter, to one where socioeconomic conditions improve, allowing Virgin Islanders, Belongers, and Residents alike to enjoy the good quality of life they once knew,” Penn stated.
He added that the reunification responds to growing calls from supporters and the wider community for unity.
The announcement follows Skelton’s recent removal as Leader of the Opposition by a three-member political alliance comprising Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn, who was previously affiliated with the NDP, alongside PVIM’s Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull and Stacy “Buddha” Mather.
Walwyn was sworn in as Opposition Leader on Monday.
Both Skelton and Penn indicated that they were blindsided by the Walwyn-Turnbull-Mather alliance.
THIS IS NO BIG NEWS TO ANYONE, EVERYONE KNEW THIS IS WHAT REN AND STIMPY OR SHOULD I SAY BEVIS AND BUTTHEAD WAS GOING TO DO.BOOOOOOOOOOO.
So the lack of action(Inaction) by an ineffective leader caused an action by the real Leader ( Hon. Walwyn) causing re action by 2 so called leaders. And even in this announcement they were unable to clearly state who was leading who? Who will be leading the party? At least the Alliance has a clear Leader.
So let me ask… y’all now realize this after the public been calling for it for so long? Myron had to shake up the place now this is a reaction to him making moves. Ayo still less.
Myron didn’t have to shake up a thing
Well, you can’t have a circus with just one clown.
I can only say Wow!!
with all tht whopla! you men a new opposition was sworn in??? Wow!!
Good News! I will support this move 110%. I’m no big fan of Marlon but I prefer him than Fu**y Man. Once he could work humbly under Ronnie for one term, I could see him taking over and being a good leader. The people are watching now get good people to run with and the next government is yours. I’m VERY disappointed in Mather.
Awyuw too dutty
They keep defecting to the VIP. Just a matter of time before all 13 HOA reps are VIP.
You guys going to help p487 win again.
Relax yourself
ARE BACK TOGETHER AGAIN , BOTH HAVE ONE OF (TWO) GOALS , EITHER YHE PREMIER OR DEPUTY ) SO IT AINT ABOUT THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE AND THE COUNTRY , THEN WHO FOOLING WHO ❓️ THE LAST ELECTION REVEALED THEIR TRUE CHARACTER OF WHO THEY REALLY ARE , AND LOOK AT LOOK AT THE ROLE THE EMPEROR OF THE 3RD DISTRICT REP PLAYED THEN AND NOW , ( THEY SHOWED THEIR LACK OF INTEGRITY BY SIMPLY NOT HAVING THE RESPECT FOR EACHOTHER COMING TOGETHER , WORKING TOGETHER IN * UNITY * IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE AND THE COUNTRY , SO IT WAS ALL AN ACTING JOB , THATS WHY THE LADY ” BOUNCED ” AND AS I HAD SAID BEFORE / THEIR ACTIONS GAVE A FEELING OF AN ” IMPLOSION ” WAS COMING , AND IT FINALLY CAME , AND THE DUDE FROM CGB GOTTEN THE CHANCE TO COME FROM UNDER MR
ALOOF’S ARMPIT AND BREATHE FRESH AIR ONCE AGAIN .
Tell us the story about the Alliance
THAT WAS GENTLY PUT
What could not be done in years was done is days because the myron, Mitch and Mather came together. Marlon and Ronnie are the power hungry ones.
According to Brownie, Good Thing. This is a good thing. The people has been calling for this, but Walwyn and Mitch left because they were not interested in serving under you two. So be it. Mitch figured he have a better shot at Premier under Walwyn. Sounds like they didn’t even say good bye when alligning. Two many chiefs if you ask me. So for the best. Hon. Walwyn is a speaker, and so is Hon. Wheatley. I’ll take the experience Bob the Builder who can give us value for money and has the country and people at heart.
I would never vote for Ronnie or Marlon again. I’m hoping the alliance or VIP brings a good candidate in the 8th.
You double agent there relishing the power offer from sowandie talking about you care about the virgin islands, the other three young brilliant men absolve themselves from history as failures on that night you were the governing majority but was individually divided by sowandie for power that with the insight Lorna had she jumped ahead of you Marlon to be the deputy premiere, you are not a genuine person, it’s out of embarrassment the you and Ronnie reluctantly getting together, when the three young men ask for calloboration you refuse all now because sowandie telling you he going ditch Fraser as deputy and install you, congrats to Myron ,Mather and Mitch for vision and leadership that caused you all to be reactive at least.
The VIP is the only party that can unite the country, they are leading from the front”Country over self interest”
If that’s what the premier trying to say he isn’t so bright afterall. No body will sit idly by and watch him mash up everything that was built. The opposition will continue to help.