Turnbull requested gov’t ministerial post before leaving NDP
Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull (left), and PVIM leader Ronnie Skelton.
By Davion Smith, BVI News Staff
Before Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull cut ties with the National Democratic Party (NDP) to join the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM), he had asked to be awarded a ministerial portfolio if/when the Myron Walwyn-led NDP was re-elected into government.
Turnbull, in a PVIM press conference on Wednesday, admitted to making that request, to which he said Walwyn responded: ‘we will talk’.
But, the first-term legislator made it clear that was not the only thing he and the NDP chairman spoke about nor was it the reason he quit the party to help form the PVIM with Ronnie Skelton.
Turnbull maintained that his reason for aligning with the PVIM was that the NDP had ‘lost its way’.
“I am the one that reached out to the chairman (Walwyn), the deputy chairman, and the other ministers of government — who happened to also be NDP members — to have a meeting and to have personal conversations to understand where the direction [of the party] was heading. That meeting with the chairman lasted close to two hours so if the only thing that came out of that meeting was that I asked or demanded a ministry, that is absolutely false.”
“I did ask that I be seated as a minister within the next government. That was clear. But, again, I want to make it clear there was an almost two-hour meeting [and] a number of things were discussed,” Turnbull said.
He continued: “I made my position clear to the chairman of the party: if we are going to go forward, I need to understand, first, your vision. I need to understand how we are going to address the issues with the airline (BVI Airways), the pier park, [and] with the wall so that, if we get in a battle and I stand with you or behind you, I know how we are going to lead this country forward.”
Turnbull said he resigned the party after getting no forthcoming answer from Walwyn and after seeing a worsening NDP trend as it relates to a lack of transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Notably, his and Skelton’s breaking point happened after they lost their bid to become the NDP’s leader and deputy leader.
PVIM formed three months after defeat in NDP internal elections
Skelton told members of the press on Wednesday that he began forming the PVIM “approximately three months” after his defeat in the NDP’s internal elections in June 2018.
“I must add that a lack of cohesion [within the NDP] did not start with the party’s internal leadership election in June. I am not bitter or angry at anyone. I will forever have many friends in the National Democratic Party,” Skelton said, adding that he has no thirst for money or power considering that he is a successful businessman.
“I reached a point where it became clear to me that I had to take another road in my journey to continue to work and serve the people of these Virgin Islands.”
The PVIM, which Skelton said does not have a full slate of candidates for the upcoming general elections, will officially launch on Friday. The party will reveal its election candidates at that time.
The next General Election must happen by April 16, 2019.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
they did not mess up this country, now they are quickly all changing party hats so that we don’t remember who messed up…
The standard is so low for the upcoming election, that it could only be compared to the 2016 US presidential election.
How many terms needed to receive pension again? Hmm.
You think he needs the tiny government pension? What a laugh!
Well he wont get thw tiny pension so hopefully he got a big job lined up for when he loses his seat on election day.
PVIM is likely to split the NDP vote, thus further increasing VIP’s chances of the win come 2019!
Myrun must have strain relations causing this chaos.
Riddle me this! If the NDP has lost its way as Hon Turnbull said, why was he running to be Deputy? and if the principled gentleman, felt that Hon Walwyn was soo incapable of leading why was he seeking a ministry from him? Is this a case of Self above country? Somebody help me!
Clearly he ran as Deputy because it was obvious the party was reconstructing and he chose to be part of that. Like anyone with sense he was seeing what would be his place in a Myron led Government and they were obviously meeting with him to try and convince him to stay and on what terms . Usual politics. I agree with Mitch because in a Myron led Government you need a seat at the table and not on the back side to keep close eyes on him.
Because he was hungry for power and he saw the cupboard was bare for him in the NDP.
You are so right, he is only interested in his own “career”. We need some one who will sacrifice him/her self for the territory and it’s people. Not this little weasel
So sorry only power them sorry
Not power un them new parry round againd jajajaja ealein premier NDP 19/23
What is this gibberish? If you can’t form one complete sentence, please stop prattling nonsense and have a seat.
They missed a chance to ask the obvious question: if Myron had said ‘yes’, would Mitch have stayed with the NDP. I think I know the answer.
@ Albion
Absolutely! and therein lies the problem. Power is the end goal. This brother does not have respect and needs to learn some humility. He is not ready for such a position. He was in a perfect position to be groomed for bigger things but his EGO got the best of him. Can I say work for the Sh** and stop begging? I think/hope his CUZ will send him home to reflect.
If by respect, we want sub-ordinate members of the government to only agree and comply with an authoritarian leader, then isn’t that the very reason why we are upset with the NDP?
Some level of power must have been sought in an effort to force leaders to deliberate on hasty done-deal decisions. We are beyond giving veteran politicians total submission for their utter abuse of taxpayers’ trust, funds and intelligence.
We need courageous, thoughtful and conscious, public servants who will put country above ego and personal interest.
This press conference was laughable to say the least. They obviously thought that the press won’t ask difficult questions that challenge their motives. And the thing that bothered me most, is that their faces looked like they thought they did a great job.
The press conference I listened to was very informative. I liked the hard questions that were asked of these two because we the people need answers. Now I will look forward to hearing their movement plans, and hopefully more questions can be asked and answered.
Informative? Tell me one thing that you learned from this press conference that was informative.
1. Ronnie and Cabinet approved the wall at the High School for the protection of the students. However, the implementation, was soley handled by Hon. Walwyn, who has sole responsibility, same as the Peir Park over spending with Hon. Mark, or the Handling of the 7.2 Millon dollars to the airport, they agreed that they should take place, but Dr. Smith, Walwyn and Vanterpool, who were responsible for the implementation of the above projects are at fault.
Learned that reasons for the spilt was not power, but a lack of accountability, transparency.
Also learned, that Ronnie stood up long and hard against a number of decisions to no avail.
Need more, cause there is more.
Ok maestro. U getting paid so wuk!
The Pier Park cost $80 Mil, it’s doing what it set out to do and the ships are coming. Tell us why the people of west end, pockwood pond and USVI are still suffering from open burning at the incinerator.
We know you!!
They did a great job. Not sure what you were listening to.
So the truth comes out. If Mitch has such a problem with the NDP and Myron why would he ask for a ministerial portfolio under Myron if they win the election? Think about this.
This is a power hungry motivated move to form a new party. If Myron had said yes I’m sure he would have still been there. Myron pull a Dancia on him “we’ll talk”. Ah love it!! Lol
SMH. Since when having ambition is a crime? LOL. This is the unfortunate mentality of some small minded black People. I was listening and I don’t see a leave here for power, I see one because of shadiness and questions being raised which were left unanswered after many private discussions were had. Hon Turnbull continue to let your light shine, remain humble regardless of how black they try to paint you. They spoke badly of JESUS, so who are we? Bloggers are but a few paid persons with no good intentions than to try to distract the public and attempt to undermine someone like yourself and others who did and doing the right thing. We already made the switch and we sticking with Mitch! PVIM all the way!
Ambition is good for some but not others? Understood!
@Power Hungry, so why is Myron’s ambition being equated as being power hungry but others shouldn’t? How do you differentiate between the two? If ambition is not a crime then it’s fair game then? Ambition cannot be good for one but then be considered bad for others.
Hé and the for now crew thought they could play Myron. While him and the for now crew was plotting, they were being plotted on also. You never send a kid to do a man’s job. Listen kid, Myron is nooo fly by night fool. Remember this guys, we the people who were born in the BVI but not our parents have to send a strong message come election day. We have rights also and we must not allow them to continue stepping on us.
We locals also will send ayo island people a strong message that we will protect our country for an unborn generation
The disapointment/backstabbing crew is out hère trying to score points. Mitch you are so done in the gamme. The basket-ball is no longer bouncing your way. Go have a seat side court and watch how thé true players play thé game. You can’t score points when you are not true or humble to the game.
Thank you very much sir. Now we know why Myron is been treated this way like he is the one who crucified Christ…All this harping about accountability, transparency, morality and the list goes on is just a d**n cover up. Is all because of his parentage but the truth must surface.
90 minute press conference. I listened to the conference he stated, that in a conversation the post of leadership, in terms of ministry that was a discussion that was had, it was discussed. SMH
I listened too and the story is right. He said he was a senior member of the party and wanted a ministry in the next government. If a party has lost its way and the newly elected leader has issues, why would you want to serve as a minister with that leader and in that party? You can twist it however you want but it will come out the same way.
If honest people, people with conscience, sits in the seats perhaps people might have hope. Yes people don’t bring hope.
Confirms what we suspected – poor losers and quitters as they didn’t get what they wanted! PVIM is a party of sore losers and has been’s – not that Mitch had actually achieved anything in his short misplaced political career – he should stick with preaching!
I concur.
They are both bitter. This is obvious. They started wrong and so they cannot come out right.
They have also left a bitterness in our mouths.
Son you are the d***l. So you wanted a ministerial position just 3 months ago and suddenly the NDP has lost it way. You are also a l***. You are suppose to be a man of God. I would have respected you if u ran independently. What difference does it make to run with Skelton..the failed health minister and Pickering ..the green leaf killer. It’s only because u want to be premier- as Skelton plans to retire before the term is up. You are too hungry for power..u will fail
You sound like the Devil yourself. Mitch will be a good leader as time and experience brings. He should take his time and develop those leadership qualities which we can see shining through. That being said, there are others who can possibly go before him as the leader and deputy. The more we know, the less we know.
What I like about this young chap is he isn’t afraid to speak up even if it doesn’t put him in a favourable light. I heard him speak of mistakes made by himself and learning from them. Others public figures and want to bes would lie nonstop to always make themselves look good.
Oh!! So there we have it, now we know why he left!! Integrity, lol.
Why would you contest a seat for deputy then even after that election, request of the new Chairman that you be made a Minister in a party that has lost its way? What the h**l is the guy really saying? I am dizzy!
SO what would you do, just remain as a back bencher with someone who has lost their way or try to at least sit at the table of decisions so that you can influence the lost back to light?
Everyone has a right to a opinion, but they answer the questions asked truthfully and unapologetically. From the interview what did you hear their motives were? Since you were so keen to watch. NEW DIRECTION NOW!!
“Turnbull said he resigned the party after getting no forthcoming answer from Walwyn and after seeing a worsening NDP trend as it relates to a lack of transparency, accountability, and integrity.”
Ok, since you not giving me my ministry I going to form my own party.
Look at the level a grown,well half grown man have to stoop to get 10 mts of fame. Please go take a steep hike. You should have stayed ghost after you got dropped of at the curb. Sitting there looking all lost in Translation.
I must say that once again Ronnie has shown his inability to earn Premiership of this territory. He lacks speech therapy and we must accept the fact that it is an area we must tackle territory wide.
A total embarrassment with his lack of versatility and cohesiveness with the English language made it difficult for him to defend himself with the questions put forward.
Ronnie, I will not knock your good intentions if any but you do not have it to lead this country at this juncture into the next generation.
Of course fine speeches and presentations are not all but when we step out of our circle into the international arena we MUST show that we are capable and able to hold a decent conversation with the English language. After all we have British tagged on to these Virgin Islands and dispite our culture we must dominate our communication tactics.
YOU MENTIONED THE LATE HON. LAVITY STOUTT AND HE WAS NEVER AN EMBARRASSMENT TO OUR TERRITORY ON THE INTERNATIONAL LEVEL SO GET IT RIGHT CAUSE KNOWLEDGE IS POWER AND WE MUST SHOW THE POWER IN OUR KNOWLEDGE.
Oh so you like smooth talking Joes who utter fluent and delicious words laced with lies and would mislead you totally because they are great communicators? They sound good and music to the ears but when you really listen there is no substance there. Skelton is not a great orator but his intelligence level as well as experience with helping the people of this country from his heart, is potentially higher than yours.
I concur.
They are both bitter. This is obvious. They started wrong and so they cannot come out right.
They have also left a bitterness in our mouths.
I really can’t stomach anymore of this nonsense. Premiere, pleassssse hurry up with the elections so that we can put these people out of their misery and put all this stupid idle talk to rest once and for all. Jesus take the wheel. I really wonder if they does listen to themselves when they talk. My Lord.
LOOK TROUBLE!
Face the questions and answer them. Good job. Hope M can handle the questions he will be asked. It’s obvious how M leaking info to influence what he want the press to ask but I hope when others do the same he can handle it. My BVI people learn this man carefully – sometimes what you see isn’t what you will get. Ain’t everyone built or suitable to be a leader.
I agree. My take on it. Some of the press sounded really angry to me when asking their questions. Seriously aggressive. You would swear they were an injured party to this or these guys had a beef with them or something.
So blame it on the press about them sounding angry. As far as I am concern, he wasted the press time.
It was a PVIM Press conference and still you trying to bash Walwyn. SMH this party dead before it start!
How would the press know what was discussed in a private meeting and to ask those questions? Those of us who are truly looking out for this country will be able to see things for what they are and not be blinded by party support, money and bribery.
There is no bashing we are simply expressing what we see. Which is our right.
Ok doc
. You all made the wrong choice . A choice sjiwing disloyalty . How can anyone trust you now . You have now lost your way. The night is getting darker for this break away party . .
If your leader tells you go run off a cliff will you do it ? If the ship is sinking, you can stay on board long enough to help, but if the captain has his own agenda and ISN’T LISTENING and you are headed for destruction, what’s the point? Speak till you blue in the face? Don’t be an idiot! Country First!!! I understand tho, you support them because of your self interest. You aren’t truly concerned about accountability, transparency or integrity. NOTED. What promises were you given? DO TELL. Your blogging for one. How much does that pay? Lol
Let’s get on with the people’s business. This back and forth is getting us nowhere.
VIP with one set of talk, Then Pu will fire back sooner or later, Next PVI & NDP—- Strupesssssssssss. We will choose persons best fit for the position vs party. Country over parties. Mama making Johnny cake Christmas coming. Too much parties and not enough food for them to thief.
Hon Turnbull u was someone that i liked but u here now putting ur foot in ur mouth. You claim that the party lost its way but yet had Myron commit to giving u a ministry u still would have been never made that move. Sounds a little salty to me.
Perfect example of a child not getting what he want. Man you do not deserve nor did you deserve to earn a ministerial post, you canot be trusted. You know? When you jump ship,you were labeled as a S…. R.. Well my boy, you have proven that you are. You seem to be on the i’m entitled S**t, me me me. I I I.
For a first time legislator and son of a pastor, he sure likes to make confusion
Well Mr.T,they say three strikes and you’re out. You are about to hit your third strike.Another one who did not get the memo about the lose lip thing.Maybe he would have given you the position if you had applied yourself and stop acting so d**n cocky and arrogant. This is not the M**ch show,so don’t get it twisted.
While many of you continue to rant and go on and on behind the scenes, attempting to make PVIM look bad, this is not a true representation of the majority of people in BVI so Carry on. lol. Time is longer than twine. The world is watching us behaving like animals, such a disgrace, bringing each other down like we have no sense! Just speak the truth and dassit!! For He who has to destroy another with false information and lies to win, know that destruction awaits him at the door of success. Campaign on the issues, what makes you and your team the best option for the BVI? What are you going to do differently? All this personal attacks through blogging translates to fear, the inability to handle the truth and the FACT that deal a HUGR stance was made for the PEOPLE not SELF. Spin it however you like. Hon. Turnbull we support you and the PVIM all the way!! We need more persons like you in office to fight on our behalf! Don’t mind the noise, for empty barrels make the most!!
While many of you continue to rant and go on and on behind the scenes, attempting to make PVIM look bad, this is not a true representation of the majority of people in BVI so Carry on. lol. Time is longer than twine. The world is watching us behaving like animals, such a disgrace, bringing each other down like we have no sense! Just speak the truth and dassit!! For He who has to destroy another with false information and lies to win, know that destruction awaits him at the door of success. Campaign on the issues, what makes you and your team the best option for the BVI? What are you going to do differently? All this personal attacks through blogging translates to fear, the inability to handle the truth and the FACT that a HUGE stance was made for the PEOPLE not SELF. Spin it however you like. Hon. Turnbull we support you and the PVIM all the way!! We need more persons like you in office to fight on our behalf! Don’t mind the noise, for empty barrels make the most!!
Its so sad for real. So sad that he is going to lose his seat because of his ego and hunger for power.
Pure arrogance at it’s best. This man has now become the butt of kitchen table jokes. The press conference made no sense. M…. sat there and made himself look like a fool.I agree,he did nothing to earn a ministerial position. He already committed political suicide and clearly shows that he is not loyal to anyone but himself.
You must be the real joke because you can’t see or talk good sense just NONSENSE! Poor thing. May I suggest you follow the movement? Catch the blue wave! You might learn something. Meanwhile, PVIM all the way!!
Are you talking about the BLUE WAVE from the GROUND SEA that is going to drop kick PVIM/PVC pipes back to the SEWER ? Nawwww, I will be to busy sipping my Chai iced te.
You are the one spinning. The fact is that the press conference was a total failure and its nobody’s fault that your candidates cannot articulate themselves. Who calls a press conference when theyre nowhere near ready for primetime.
By your skewed opinion along with the other paid bloggers here. This isn’t helping who you are supporting 🙂 FOCUS
So anyone that disagrees with PVIM is a paid blogger? This is how you intend to build a movement? Instead of reading and taking notes of people’s observations these think skinned power hungry mad people are name calling. Hunble yourselves and leave tge entitlement mentality at home. You cannot bash people for their opinions while claiming to be encouraging people to follow your movement. Im a voter trying to hear all sides before deciding who to vote for and frankly PVIM had a long way to go. Call me a paid blogger too but just know that Im a free voter.
It is interesting if you look at the order of posting of blogs on this article.
Almost every blog starts with a comment that it critical of Ronnie and Mitch and has been heavily upvoted.
But almost every one of those blogs has a reply to it which is supportive of Ronnie and Mitch, which has been mostly downvoted.
What I take away from this: most people don’t like Ronnie and Mitch, and the way that they have conducted themselves. But someone has come onto this site and tried to reply to every comment and fight some kind of rearguard action to shore up their popularity.
If you want to do that, then fine. But don’t think come on and criticise the vast majority of posters of being some kind of sock-puppet or paid bloggers. The overwhelming preponderance of opinion is clear.
EXACTLY!!!
I don’t live in the BVI but let me guess, most people like Myron or Andrew? Please hush. You make no sense. Not all bloggers are paid bloggers that is clear, but look at the order of the postings, same set of persons, same message. I have listened to the Facebook lives and I have been listening in the house. Don’t throw stones if you live in glass houses. Be open minded and listen, study how well that person performed in their district or as a minister and at the end of the day your work speaks for itself. If you are hell bent on discrediting another while your leader or candidate is no better, that is a double standard. All parties are made up of old and new now, let’s hear what each has to offer and keep your dirty opinions to yourself. They are irrelevant. Let’s address the issues and concerns of the people.
Your candidate made a complète fool of himself. Your candidate Political career ended before it started. Hé played dirty and it backfired on him.If hé stays in politics, hé will always stay at the bottom of the totem pôle. Hé show that hé canot be trusted. Something don’t go his way,hé runs off like a spoiled child sulking.
@#### I’m afraid you are mistaken. Your candidate or leader so DESPERATELY wants to win that he will stop at Nothing to do so. I think the majority of the general public know who is in FACT Power Hungry, Ashamed and Behaving like a child, can’t even run a decent campaign. If Mudslinging represents who your leader or candidate is, thanks for giving the BVI an early view of what that looks like, but wait, sorry, we have already learnt this from the SPLIT, Go take a SIT. PVIM all the way any day!!!
So when Mitch wants a position its ambition and when anyone else wants a position it is desperation? Let us compare Turnbull’s accomplishments to Walwyn’s and see where the chips fall.
There is nothing “honorable” about Mitch. Why can’t he just humble himself a little?
Tell us what’s Honourable about your candidate? What makes him a better choice? Enlighten the public. You are so focused on Hon Turnbull, present your candidate, campaign on his behalf, you are wasting your time. Lol there’s not a lot of time left, I suggest you use it wisely. Follow the Movement! PVIM for the win.
So someone cant comment about Mitch without having an agenda? Not everyone talking about him and PVIM is an NDP or VIP supporter. I cannot vote in the BVI but have lived here 15 years. What Turnbull and Skelton did is distasteful and the press conference was horrible. I have no dog in the fight and the leaders of the other parties have their issues as well. If you want to stand a chance at elections stop being such an emotional p***y and try to convince people why they should support you rather than name calling like a little girl.
Once you are opened to listen. Sure, you will hear why.
Mitch,go disappear in a ditch.you cannot be trusted and switch.you favor a hardnose fish.
Mitch I must admit I have lost confidence,respect,trust,in u.As a.young aspirant to take the country forward power hungry is not the way.My vote will not be used in a way as such.Thanks again. gor coming forward & letting us know who the reeeeeal MITCH is and what ur made of.Tks
LOL The same persons continue to blog with the same opinions over and over again. You do not represent the mass general public. Go find something constructive to do. Lol Like the Seniors use to say, if you have nothing good to say, shut your mouth. You are beginning to sound like a broken record. Those of us who support Hon Turnbull and the PVIM your personal attacks do nothing but fall on deaf ears. Pathetic. Go help your leader campaign in a classy way!
That will be your biggest mistake thinking that all of us on here voicing our opinions are paid NDP bloggers. I support Andrew and the VIP and I concur with all of the blogs on here against the PVIM. The fact is you are the ones blogging over and over in defense of the indefensible and you look childish. I will be here after elections to remind you why you shouldn’t take the populace for granted. Keep thinking that everyone with an opinion is just some paid hack and all the rest are with you. Keep it up.
The disapointment/backstabbing crew is out hère trying to score points. Mitch you are so done in the gamme. The basket-ball is no longer bouncing your way. Go have a seat side court and watch how thé true players play thé game. You can’t score points when you are not true or humble to the game.
The press should have made those two sweat like they were running 20 back to back laps up and down Zion hill in the blazing sun. Bet both of them would have crumbled like a stale ritz cracker.
“I did ask that I be seated as a minister within the next government. That was clear. But, again, I want to make it clear there was an almost two-hour meeting [and] a number of things were discussed,” Turnbull said.”
Why is PVIM all over social media and the blogs castigating people and claiming that the headline for the story is misleading when the man said what he said? This sense of entitlement has gone to another level now. The headline says Turnbull requested a Ministry. Turnbull said he requested to be seated in a Ministry. PVIM marketing people are upset and claiming this is not the case.
Can dish but can’t take eeeh! Jokes
The tale will be told at the polls.
I listen to the press conference, did not learn one thing new except they left out all the reasons why this is personal. Troy Christopher, Shania smith, Mitch Turnbull and his brother the doctor were all part of the organization to over throw Doctor Smith, they did not get what they wanted and have been bitter ever since. People do not let them fool you it is a lot of self interest at play here. Mr.Skelton is a good man but lacks the ability to lead this country because his biggest problem is he does not listen, he knows everything, good leader has the ability to listen.
I believe you have just described your leader. Let’s not get confused.
Just look at the responses and you can see why we are at this place. Everything is feelings, feelings, feelings and the real campaigning hasn’t even started as yet. This is real business not child’s play.
Yes, its very disappointing, all the mudslinging. You should stop then because we will defend the truth. PVIM All the Way!!!!!!!!!
I encourage all then to handle the people’s business as real business and stop the childish, foolish blogging which are personal attacks to try to discredit the Candidate’s ability to do their job as a district rep or minister. None of which are under investigation or have been caught up with talks of such nature. I suppose it was all fun and games when no responses from PVIM supporters were provided. I am a member of the general public, but I say to you all don’t start a fire if you cannot take the same heat. I have heard enough to decide where my X will go.
You fit the mold to a tee of what a true ignorant coon is. Listen my negro, we down Island people, is hère to stay and there is nothing you can do about it.Now go sit in the haters sauce and marinate you racist jerk.
Mitch my advice pls. politics or GOD.U can’t be in.this dirty game &serve the master.Either ur in or ur out.Don’t say then say U didn’t say.Remember the same water that soften the potato hardens the egg.Thats a thought for u to digest
A lot of these politicians need to humble themselves like the Hill man who used to be in immigration.