BVI News

Vanterpool reportedly eyeing NDP Chairmanship, says Skelton Cline

Businessman and former Fourth District Representative Mark Vanterpool.

Businessman and former Fourth District Representative Mark Vanterpool is among several people identified as potential contenders for the chairmanship of the National Democratic Party (NDP), according to commentator Claude Skelton Cline.

Speaking on his Honestly Speaking radio programme, Skelton Cline said that information circulating in the public domain suggests that Vanterpool has re-emerged within the party and is seeking a leadership role ahead of an anticipated internal decision next month.

Skelton Cline said the former legislator has been publicly signalling his alignment with the party, with Vanterpool reportedly showing visible signs of renewed political activity, including displaying NDP branding. 

He further indicated that Vanterpool has declared his interest in leading the organisation. “Vanterpool has said he is seeking the chairmanship of the National Democratic Party on the 18th,” Skelton Cline said. 

The speculation comes as the NDP is reportedly regrouping, with a series of meetings expected to culminate in a leadership decision. Skelton Cline described a slate of “potential candidates” across districts and at-large positions, noting that none had yet been formally confirmed.

Vanterpool previously served as Fourth District representative and was a senior member of the NDP before exiting active politics. His political career has been marked by periods of controversy, including a court challenge to his swearing-in following his most recent election victory, as well as his management of the Tortola Pier Park project, which drew significant public scrutiny at the time.

Skelton Cline previously speculated that Vanterpool was exploring the formation of a new political movement, an allegation Vanterpool quickly debunked. That speculation also drew attention after Skelton Cline alleged that Vanterpool’s sister, a sitting member of the current Virgin Islands Party-led administration, would have been joining him.

The potential return of Vanterpool adds to a wider field of individuals being discussed as part of the NDP’s reorganisation. Other potential contenders for the chairmanship of the National Democratic Party, identified by Skelton Cline, include Marlon Penn and Ronnie Skelton.

Skelton Cline suggested that the party’s prospects may depend heavily on who emerges as leader, stating that leadership will be “the key to all of this”. He further indicated that the party’s ability to convince the public of its unity would be a central challenge as it seeks to re-establish itself politically.

The NDP has not yet officially confirmed its slate or leadership candidates.

Skelton Cline.

Share the news

Copyright 2026 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

45 Comments

Disclaimer: BVI News and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the comments below or other interaction among the users.

  1. Street talk says:

    CSC said that his uncle Ronnie, Mark Vanterpool and Marlon Penn are running for the leadership. Myron isn’t running. Cline said that it’s good that Myron isn’t running. What does that mean?

    They always try to paint Myron as power hungry. Tell me now who are the power hungry ones now? Marlon is lazy and ineffective. No one has any confidence in his ability and he knows this yet he still continues to push himself on people. Ronnie is another laid back and on ineffective representative. The country needs a more vibrant leader. Mark will bring energy to the NDP but he brings baggage to.

    Is it that they deliberately paint Myron this way to neutralize him to stay out of the leadership race?

    I believe this.

    Like 35
    Dislike 0
    • LOL says:

      Think about it some more! What about Myron not running because he is supporting and pushing for Mark.

      Like 8
      Dislike 2
      • @LOL says:

        Would Myron put Mark over himself when he probably would have stand a better chance at beating out Marlon and Ronnie for the leadership?

        Like 8
        Dislike 2
        • @@LOL says:

          The real question is why would Myron Walwyn be confident about taking leadership of the NDP when they were recently sued for monies dating back to when he was Chairman and lost elections? During this process instead of handling the matter like real leaders do, he passed the buck and embarrassed the team, that is shameful. Why would NDP elect Myron as their leader when he walked away and formed his own party which failed? Why would they elect Myron as leader when he addressed the nation and publicly aired out NDP laundry to make himself look good? Why would they elect him as the leader is beyond me. This has nothing to do with whether he is a good district rep etc. This has to do with principle and common sense. You cannot walk away from an establishment, seek to destroy it, create our own establishment to move forward and because your little experiment failed you waltz back in and just assume position? Life does not work that way and NDP would be completely stupid to elect Walwyn as a leader within their structure.

          We are all entitled to our own opinions but facts are facts like the sky is blue. The fact here is that the major problems within the NDP started with Turnbull and Walwyn. Look at the history, do not depend on my blog as the only fact.

          Like 8
          Dislike 15
          • @@@LOL says:

            he is looking chairman’s position’ is he safe in D6?that is the million dollar question.

            Like 3
            Dislike 8
          • @@@@LOL says:

            a definite loss for the Education Minister if he tries fighting for party leadership. There is too much baggage to whip him on, and he will be a definite loss for the NDP. Who do not listen will feel. As with Fraser, as with Walwyn.

            Like 3
            Dislike 5
          • really? says:

            He is still the best candidate for the position. We the people want Myron Walwyn to lead this territory case close

            Like 3
            Dislike 1
        • LOL says:

          Chances are slimmer with more candidates vying for the top spot. Some of them will do what they have to do to keep out one man. They do not want this man but it is to their detriment and the country as a whole.

          Like 10
          Dislike 2
    • NDP will be competitive if... says:

      A lot is riding on what happens on April 18. But let’s be honest—the timing raises questions. If unity only shows up when an election is around the corner, people are going to wonder whether it’s real or just temporary damage control.
      The NDP’s path back to credibility is pretty straightforward: new leadership. Going back to any of the current four—the same group tied to the party’s internal breakdown—just risks reopening the same fractures everyone can already see.
      That really leaves one serious option: Mark Vanterpool.
      He brings experience, credibility, and, more importantly, the ability to actually move a party forward without the constant infighting. But his biggest advantage is something you can’t fake—he understands retail politics. He connects with people, and that connection translates into votes.
      And not just for himself. He has what most leaders don’t: the ability to carry others with him. That down-ballot influence is real. We’ve seen it before—leaders who can take relatively unknown or average candidates and push them across the finish line based on their own credibility and presence.
      The others simply don’t have that.
      If the NDP is serious about being competitive, the choice is obvious. If not, then April 18 won’t fix anything—it will just delay the same problems from surfacing again.

      Like 6
      Dislike 6
      • All clowns says:

        MV heads are not cl**n by any stretch of the imagination. Through NDP #1 they setup NHI for their own personal benefits. Take a look around the country and see for yourselves. This dude hands were d**ty from the TPP debacle with Darley and up to now the place has not realized the full potential due to malfeasances.

        This rebooted NDP of the same players reeks of self-serving egos. Healthcare is a mess because of those guys and while VIP is not any better or worst off, they don’t seem hellbent on lining their pockets as much as those old boys club did! The timing of this reunification is questionable as to motives. Low expectations throughout that lineup. Will wait to hear the fall-out after April 18th…more fodder for the election talking season I bet!

        Like 6
        Dislike 2
    • Action man says:

      He have his ways , but he is a real “action Man” TPP was built under his watch and survived Hurricane IRMa and Maria.. the only short fall was not to buy out all those pieces of land and fix the whole tent city consept and remove the squatting… Garage, food shops river bed as a parking lot.. Let the ACTION MAN LOOSE>> A dat me seh

      Like 4
      Dislike 2
  2. You watch says:

    Another Andrew Fahie

    Like 9
    Dislike 2
  3. I am tired of seeing recycled politicians. says:

    No offense to any individual person, but I believe the BVI needs fresh blood. I am tired of seeing the same persons contesting election over and over again. Is this the best that we can do?

    Electing the same recycled politicians over and over again has not getten the country far. I’m tired of the same old faces every time election comes around.

    I ask gain, is this the best we can do BVI? Are these the only options we have?

    Now, not all of the current crop of politicians are bad and there are several who have done good work and are capable, however, I am of the opinion, if you have served in government prior, consider given it a rest.You are not the only one with ideas who can run the country.

    At the end of the day, it’s up to the voting pupblic to decide who gets into office, but I personally would rather cast my vote for a new comer with sound ideas than a recycled politician.

    Like 34
    Dislike 1
    • wide shut says:

      Natalio, sherie,. Kye, luce, Vincent, mater ,Dawson…they are new politicians.

      What are you talking about ?are we any better off? We need capable , and qualified people to lead the country not new people.

      Like 19
      Dislike 1
    • Dunce Caps says:

      Fresh blood like Marlon? Mitch? Mather? Kye? Sharie? Sowande? All under 50 and are a complete waste of time. Please tell me what they have done either individually or collectively as elected officials given that they are the ‘new aged’ ‘new blood’ officials. Nothing personal, just the facts. If the young people were ready the old people would not have a chance to get back on the scene.

      Like 13
      Dislike 3
      • @Dunce Caps says:

        Marlon and Mitch deserves a chance.

        Like 1
        Dislike 5
        • @@Dunce Caps says:

          Exactly my sentiments. Some already in their 70s; step back and support the younger ones. Lavity, Ralph and others got chances to lead with support behind them. You don’t have to always be in front.

          Like 1
          Dislike 1
        • @@@Dunce Caps says:

          Exactly . Old boys should Support the younger ones. How they doing this, when they off the scene those younger boys will not be ready.

          Like 1
          Dislike 1
  4. wellsaw says:

    I really don’t understand the sick and demented mentality of the people and politics here.

    This man allegedly believes, especially looking at his past behavior, that he can take up and put down politics as he pleases to serve his interests.

    And there are people who will vote for him and others like him in politics who share this belief.

    It is obvious when you see some of them just nonchalant and have no interest in helping the people and solving the country’s problems.

    Like 16
    • Gullible electorate says:

      The reason he believes he can do this is because he knows the electorate is immature and easily fooled. He has done it many times and he’s been successful at it each time. Please show him that we are not the gullible fools we were.

      Like 13
      Dislike 1
  5. dont trust none says:

    I don’t know what will happen, but I have yet to see a faithful group of BVIslanders who really have the best interest of this territory at heart. Those who are in now, have been in before and have tried to get in have all proven themselves to be a set of egotistical pack of power and money hungry people. If they get in, it will be more of the same where they enrich themselves and their families and the good people of the BVI will continue to suffer. My people, it is all about them.
    All that they do is for their own good. They travel mercilessly on the public purse and what good does it do to advance the place? Do they even feel ashamed when they travel regionally and internationally, drive off the airport and through towns and cities and do not drop in a pothole? Do they feel ashamed when they see the infrastructure of smaller islands who we snob our noses at but in reality they have more national pride that we do?

    Big question this election – what will all the candidates to differently to make the BVI a better place to be. Which of them do not care to enrich themselves? Do they really care about us? Will they improve the education, healthcare, infrastructure for everyone?

    Like 12
    Dislike 1
  6. REAL says:

    GET ALL A THEM OUT THEM THIEF ENOUGH WHILE THE COUNTRY STAGNANT

    Like 15
  7. Hell no! says:

    Another island man again?

    Like 3
    Dislike 4
  8. .... says:

    Mark if you aint bringing price control dont come…casue you already going with 1/3 of the bvi money with all of you supermarkets wa number u on now 8 or 10

    Like 16
  9. Uncertain says:

    Good luck to the new old party, but many, besides the members and die hards, will remain uncertain about the plausibility, effectiveness, and people centered approach if elected.

    The history of the NDP wroking and doing for the people on all levels, from personal eexperience, just like the VIP, is a very dismal on.

    Wee need today a group of people that is fdully committed to the economic upgrade and support of thos who hav since joined the retired and pensioned group.

    Thy, sincee decades of contributions, have found themselves on the dark side of economic hardships and more due to an innadequate pension.

    Meanwhile, the ruling party continues to enrich itself while the rest of the people remain in dire need of economic relief.

  10. GREEDY MV says:

    Seriously? Corrupt AF, Greedy AF and he will run a political party in the BVI?

    Like 6
    Dislike 0
  11. Corruption all around says:

    Ever wondered why MV has millions? Check his source of funds…

    Like 13
    Dislike 2
  12. BuzzBvi says:

    Who else you going to vote for in the VI?

    The Vanterpool Islands.

    The VI going full COLONIAL with our NEW ELITE COLONIAL MASTERS passing the wealth amongst themselves.

    The VI people owned once more.

    You think minimum wage coudldn’t get any lower and they couldn’t get any richer!!!

    All the land soon be theirs and they will be giving us names next with a Peoples Names Act.

    The idea of ALL13MUSTGO is not to replace them with something worse!!

  13. Roulette says:

    Mark going to push hard for gambling to prop up his white elephant on the bay

  14. Let us be real says:

    1. Who first split NDP

    Answer: Ronnir

    2. Who stand done when Andrew neatly sink the country
    Andwer; Marlon
    3. Who crossed the floor showed no stability to form the last Government
    Answer – Lorna
    4. Who stayed loyal to the party name
    Answet: Marlon
    6. Who broken away from the party again
    Andwer: Myron
    7. Who jumped?
    Mitch & Mather

    Who was the ONLY petson who was rge face of NDP?

    MARLON

    So who feserves leadership

    MARLON

    Like 5
    Dislike 1
  15. Anonymous says:

    We need new options. The current parties have other agendas that don’t align with what the people really want. We won’t get the changes unfortunately with either party. It’s the same people that failed that running. What’s the difference now?

  16. Save this date - April 19th, 2026 says:

    We will see what happens then.

  17. LOOKS LIKE says:

    The wigged canary from his yello slowly taking over the bvi news site , this joker is blogging more than everybody else / same as he does on his yello racist site •¿• he just love to be in things flexing off heself asusual with his sh*Tty gutter mentality lyrics .

    Like 1
    Dislike 1
  18. But wait says:

    But wait , what happened to the chalwell party ? . All 13 must go

  19. WOW. Wow..Way D young & brilliant? says:

    Where are all the new, fresh and smart young people.? NDP need real serious leadership from now, right now to fix their slate..All those women mentioned are all presently working for more money than a back bencher gets, how would they be compensated should they win. “They will not”. As I see it, I will only vote NDP if Ronnie or some young brilliant person is the leader. Why Janice Stout do not stay in #1. This is Underhill time in #4. Isn’t Zoe a VIP.? This mess need good leadership now, to get it straighten out .

  20. Kye for Premier says:

    It’s funny that ndp only reuniting because elections r around the corner . These r the same people who drive this territory into the grounds , from the pier park to the ESHS wall. They r a greedy bunch who are out of touch .

    We need fresh blood , we need someone like Kye Rymer leading us for the next four years . He is down to earth, strong leader at dmv and now at the works ministry .

    Like 3
    Dislike 3
  21. Voz latina says:

    IS POLITICS A PERSONAL BUSINESS?

    Vanterpool is now considering the NDP presidency…
    but the real question is:
    how long will the same names keep coming and going as they please?

    A leader who served, left…
    and now wants to return like nothing happened.

    Leadership is not a switch you turn on and off.

    ⚠️ LA VOZ LATINA is clear:
    It’s time for new leadership—
    people with vision and real commitment,
    not convenience.

    The people are watching.
    And this time… they must be respected.

  22. Badness it name says:

    Recycling the incompetent!! Time to move on

    • @Badness it name says:

      The real incompetence is found in those with big degrees but no common sense to back the paper. Clueless

  23. ***** says:

    all ah dem is the same. 6 or 1/2 dozen a pound

Leave a Comment