Skelton sworn in as Opposition Leader

Chairman of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM), Ronnie Skelton, has been sworn in as the leader of the parliamentary Opposition.

The ceremony was held at Government House yesterday where Skelton was sworn in by Governor John Rankin in accordance with Section 70(2)(a) of the VI Constitution Order, 2007.

The tripartite Opposition is made up of the three-member PVIM, the one-man Progressives United (PU) and the two-man National Democratic Party (NDP).

Skelton, while speaking at a joint Opposition press conference yesterday stated, “As the Chairman of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement, I want to assure you that we will keep the government of the day accountable to ensure good governance is carried out. We also will ensure that you are represented and your voices are heard.”

Skelton said the Opposition will use their collective knowledge and experience to do so effectively and assured residents that his party will be working in conjunction with the new government and other members of the Opposition to make the Virgin Islands a better place.

As Opposition Leader, Skelton said he will strive for greater transparency in the House of Assembly (HOA) in ensuring that proceedings in certain established HOA committees are made public.

He added: “I will push to have a real Office of the Leader of the Opposition where people can actually understand that we’re building institutions where we will be on the road to some internal self-governance.”