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Walwyn outlines how NDP lost the election

“I am not quitting” — Walwyn

Chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Myron Walwyn believes his party’s chances of being re-elected as the government would have been considerably higher if the party remained united and if the hurricanes had not affected the territory.

Walwyn gave that indication during an NDP press conference at The Moorings last Friday.

“There were a number of factors which we can attribute our loss to. You are asking people to re-elect a government for a third term. It is a very difficult thing to do, and it is virtually unheard of in Caribbean politics in modern times.

A third term in office for the same government — people get tired of you,” he said.

In explaining what part the 2017 disasters might have played in his and the NDP’s defeat, Walwyn said: “Coming out of the hurricane, people’s lives were still not together, persons are still somewhat emotional; particularly persons who may not have been able to get a job and so forth.”

Another issue he pointed out was the party’s lack of communication in areas that the electorate were concerned about.

Walwyn, in retrospect, said he felt the NDP could have done a better job in that regard.

PVIM, bad memes affected us too

Walwyn said the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) also played a significant role in the NDP’s defeat at the 2019 polls.

“If you look at the persons who followed the PVIM, these are persons who would have normally been with the NDP. And I really do believe that if we didn’t have that exodus, we would have been the Government of the Virgin Islands for the third time. I really do strongly believe that” he stated.

Just days ago, PVIM leader Ronnie Skelton had also said being associated with the NDP cost his party the election.

Meanwhile, another area Walwyn had alluded to was the effect negative social media memes had on the NDP.

“When people see these things coming out, it operates on your mind because it is a different matter you have to now consider and it confuses you,” he said.

Walwyn, in the meantime, said he will be present to contest the next general election.

“I am not quitting,” the two-term politician said.

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52 Comments

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  1. Sunshine says:

    Mr. Myron,

    Get this clear. You lost the election because your e**l ways came back to bite you. Karma is really a %itch!

    1. Remember the people refused to allow go back to their jobs in education when power went to your head?

    2. Remember the money you wasted in a wall, expensive trips around the world, f-*****g your restaurant company with tax payers dollars for yourself and in those basket ball tournaments that never did any good for the BVI but you did it to funnell money to a sport store company?

    3. Remember your spiteful ways of blocking other entrepreneurs projects and events just because they don’t support your ideology and your political views?

    4. Remember the son you tried to turn against his father after having a discussion with you and all he wanted was a job in goverment?

    5. Remember the distasteful ways that you portrayed in the house of assembly saying that the people put you in there and only them can take you out with such a nasty attitude and disrespect to His Excellency the Governor?

    There are so many other reasons of why you lost the election but I want you to rest assure that your biggest failure was you undermining the team that accepted you after leaving the VIP team as chairman of the touriat board and then you came in destroying our NDP family wanting to be Premier instead of waiting your turn.

    Now go and sit your disgusting behind down and let this country heal from your demonic efforts because many said that you were dangerous for the country and now I see that it was 100% TRUTH.

    Like 22
    Dislike 5
  2. Barber Shop Vacancy says:

    You may not be quitting Sir but the electorate are most certainly quitting you, and have already done so. Time to eat humble pie, Sir.

    Like 12
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  3. Nope says:

    Wrong answer. Your party lost because of the years of unaudited financial statements, a party of the sunshine operating in secrecy, raising taxes on the people and not looking out for them just yourselves, giving away and mismanagement of the people’s hard earned money, and so on. Get a grip with reality the word is on the street.

    Like 15
  4. Ashmead says:

    Bouy just go cool out siddung

    Like 6
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  5. Excuses Excuses says:

    Its nonsense to say that electing a party for a third term is virtually unheard of. More propaganda and excuses. Do your due diligence. Go to Dominica and St Vincent…. these are just two examples.

    The people just did not want you MVW. Get over yourself and move on.

    Like 11
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  6. My View says:

    It is really simple. The dream team NDP does not exist anymore. The NDP that contested the 2019 elections was hardly recognisable. Only the Action Man represented a glimmer of that dream team of the old days. Maybe if Doc had run again, he would have swayed more voters and also hold the status quo together better.

    Like 11
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    • Simple says:

      Those who loved to break asunder are now left to pick up the pieces. Buy a good broom and heavy duty garbage bag.

      Like 5
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  7. Political Observer (PO) says:

    Agree that the NDP split may have been a factor in the election outcome, resurrecting the VIP. Nonethless, nuff respect must be given to Premier Fahie for remaking and leading the VIP out the desert/wilderness. Give jack his jacket; the NDP got its a..s cut.

    However, the former legislator is off point in trying to rationalize that voters not voting overwhelmingly for NDP was because it grew tired of it and didn’t want to reward it for its success. Bull! Political parties don’t get re-elected for failure, not success.

    Further, Hurricanes Irma and Maria decimated the BVI, causing much severe physical damages, residents suffering, inconveniences, disruption ……etc. Nonetheless, despite damages and setbacks, the hurricanes were a problem that presented an opportunity for the NDP to excel. Nevertheless, it was clear that the NDP was not prepared and ready for a national disaster. What was its plan of action, how long did it take to emerge after the storm, did it fail to execute…….etc. Who got embarrassed after the storm and by whom? The NDP needs to look in the mirror for the reason for its lost.

    Like 12
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  8. Xxx says:

    He need to go home

    Like 10
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  9. TurtleDove says:

    And it had nothing to do with you?

    Personally I believe you are an asset to the BVI. You need to let this go, support the present government and let Marlon perform his duties as the opposition. Do the right thing bro. Take the high road.

    Like 15
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  10. Too late for you says:

    What exactly was the reason for the party split? Irma had nothing to do with it. You sir had it coming.

    Like 13
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  11. wize up says:

    go sit down( corruption so stop looking an excuse)

    Like 12
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  12. Whats UP? says:

    Myrun you are the one who had an ego too big to be humbled. So you were humbled by US the voting public. You are to be blamed. What do you mean that is is virtually unheard of for a government to be voted in for a third time? It has happened before. You still playing the ego trip. SMH. YAHWEH SETS UP AND HE TAKES DOWN. Simple as that. You were not ready to take this country forward. Too much things to consider. Yahweh knows best. Accept defeat. PVIM took made a great sacrifice to get NDP 1 down and it was successful. We all know that. This is the game of Politricks in the Virgin Islands

    Like 12
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  13. sam the man says:

    Don’t ponder too long Mr Walryn its quite easy really….nobody wanted the “No Direction Party” to continue misleading us…as for your failure to personally get elected “actions not words” matter a lot….

    Like 14
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  14. strupes says:

    MOVE YOUR RARM, AYO NEARLY KILL FRAZER LAST ELECTION AND HE DIDN’T BAWL

    Like 11
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  15. Dirty Heart says:

    WELL you see now,it’s true God don’t like wickedness. The bald eagle got what he deserve cause you can’t be out there supporting the crimin@!$ and murd€&ers and bragging how you and them are close. I remember the speech h gave at the funeral for the 2 “nice innocent boys” who got clipped by the school,he was boasting bout them always calling him before they made any moves. The people were right to not elect you again..Hon Fahie was a humble person when he showed up at funerals,he didn’t look to be in the spotlight.

    Like 7
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  16. Blah says:

    He was right about everything except the memes. Aint nobody voting for or against anyone because of a meme. Most people vote based on how they were personally affected by government. NDP wasn’t focused on stuff that affects the voters directly despite the many promises. They talked about increasing the payroll exemption, consumer protection laws, landlord & tenant laws and none were accomplished. They increased ferry departure tax and added a new tax for NHI. You have to have a balanced government. People aren’t going get excited for a Pier Park or bigger hospital when they go home to no water everyday. Bragging about CXC passes doesn’t matter when dozens of families sent their children overseas after the hurricane because they feel that the shift system is a detriment to the children’s learning. Those same families have to now pay to visit their children or pay to have them come home. A lot of people feel that there should have been a lot more progress on the rebuilding of the High School at this point. After the hurricane government did not act like the Knight in shining armor that people expected them to be.

  17. My only comment says:

    When Myron make his come back, and yes he will, he is going to be a force to be reckon with. I am only speaking for myself, I believe NDP lost because PVIM plotted for it to be that way. I don’t even think Ronnie wanted Premiership,he was out to destroy Myron. Well Mitch, the only elected one, that is as far as you are going to go. D2 Rep, nothing else.

    Like 4
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    • Stupps says:

      Listen the majority of the people rejected the man simply because they no longer supported him and his party and what they stood for. His ego won’t allow him to accept that. He underestimated the people and what they actually knew. Some go into politics for the wrong reason. When your people in your own party reject you you need to check yourself. To be Premier you actually have to be able to lead. He talking about personal attacks – well who is more personal and has attacked and confronted so many of our people – Karma!

      Like 8
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  18. So true says:

    The NDP has lost their value’s and thus distroying the reason for their very existence. Hence why we did not reward bad behaviour, point blank. Myron we will give you our support next time but for now stay engaged. The next election is not too far.

    Like 10
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  19. DM says:

    Ronnie couldn’t said that. I wonder which planet is he on. PVIM was formed to throw down NDP because of the loss in the party elections. The general election result numbers alone tell you what happen. NDP lost because of the split. PVIM could have never one that election even if Ronnie and Mitch left way before.

    Like 6
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  20. Ausar says:

    Don’t leave out your prideful and boastful attitude..quite useful, but should have been tempered during the elective process..

    Don’t leave out the non-hiring of Virgin Islanders for leadership positions by your government..

    Don’t leave out the ushering in of mandated Kingdom laws on us, as is seemingly appearing more and more, of a response to corruptive and willful governance, in many instances, by the NDP..

    ..and don’t leave out the appearance of a forceful takeover of the leadership of the helm of the party, by you!

    Yes, you were a great minister and you raised the standards of education, but that forceful need for power; I think left a very bitter taste in the mouths of many, especially Virgin Islanders!

    Coupled with the disasters of 2017, many were left frazzled and disenchanted, especially with the apparent slow response to recovery efforts by the government. And many votes could have been seen by some, as a retaliatory response towards such issues.

    I do not expect you to quit and I guess you should not. However, time will tell whether Virgin Islander’s are willing to forgive and look pass the faults of the NDP.

    Again, good luck in your future endeavors in politics and beyond…

    Like 3
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    • @Ausur says:

      To often we Black people are uncomfortable with strong, brilliant minds, especially if they express their brilliance with supreme confidence.

      Yes, i am a local whose roots extend further than either of us can trace.

      We must embrace all Black people, especially those with brilliant minds and brains.

      We often mis-interpret those virtues as “prideful and boastful attitudes.” Such will weaken our overall and collective push forward.

      Like 7
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  21. Love for My Country says:

    What is so wrong with the statements being by Walwyn is that he is blaming everyone except himself for his lost and the defeat of the NDP. Some of the most memes came from his mouth. Persons were also disgusted with his divisiveness among the people who live here. Unless he humble himself and take his responsibility for his action and his role in the NDP defeat, he will just be another Fraser or less!.

    Like 9
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  22. Interested. says:

    Who is going to lead the party into the next general election. What if Marlon think that he can do a better job than you. Bear in mind that he will an extremely weak leader but he might not have the necessary bad press that you will attract. Of course you should try to mend your persona. To be truthful 4 years is not enough to erase from the minds of the people who you are as a leader. My advise to you would be to sit out the next election let Marlon lead, we all know he will lose miserably. Then let the people beg you to come back to save the party from total extinction.

    Like 6
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  23. Wow says:

    Yes Sir, You are not quitting but every one else is quitting you. and have already done so.

    Like 9
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  24. Anonymous says:

    The first and biggest mistake was the breaking up of the original. It was a cascade down hill from there. PVIM made it official.

  25. Annoyed says:

    Lies & lack of transparency got you where you’re at. Take responsibility for your BS and stop blaming your loss on others. Sore Loser

    Like 11
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  26. District 6 says:

    Blah!Blah!Blah! Boo!Whoo!Whoo! You still passing blame and in denial that the People were sick and tired of the way you ran your Political Position. It’s not everyone liked your demeanor or arrogant behaviour. The People put you in and the People took you out! Plain and Simple…Don’t bite the hands that feed you! Felicia Bye!

    Like 12
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  27. island man says:

    you need to start your own party from now because Marlon will be leading the NDC from now on and Mitch might switch back to NDC under Marlon.

  28. Walls says:

    Maybe also not wasting the public purse of tens of contactors building a substandard over priced wall would have helped.

    Like 9
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  29. Voter says:

    My father always told me when you speak of the future to add, “God spares life”, because we did not make ourselves. Also I do believe a big part of the reason that the NDP lost the elections is what EVERYONE saw, except the NDP who failed to see and admit to the wasteful mis-management of the Government funds. Remember the $7.2 million that flew the trushee’s nest, among other public funds. Sorry, but from what I have been hearing is that voters could not get pass that.

    Like 9
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  30. ??? says:

    But we want you to quit.
    Wasn’t the message loud and clear on the 25th

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  31. Anonymous says:

    What was the result of the investigation of the “wall” funny business? Since he’s done who is taking over the H.S. Rebuild. He gave the high school to the wall guy. Where’s the results of the report. Elections are over.

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  32. Legion. says:

    At this point who cares?

    Like 6
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  33. No name says:

    Bull s**t

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  34. Lawyer says:

    Mr walwyn I would like you to continue in politics. The country needs leaders of your calibre. The country is headed into uncharted waters and we need an experience captain who understands the sea. VIP knows how to win elections but gets lost in transition. You will be back stronger than before.

    Like 6
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  35. Eagle Eyes says:

    I don’t like how he’s rocking that PVIM blue.

    Like 3
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  36. Tired says:

    Still coming on the media talking about how NDP lost blah blah wah happen it only takes you now to analyze it all don’t seems so because u know what the people wants but u didn’t deliver I know this one hit u hard cause many think that u would be still in ur seat most your pics looks so hurting get a grip now man and take a lost the next post I wanna see is putting it out there on ways VIP can do better help them build a better nation.

    Like 1
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  37. island man says:

    just because he had more votes than Dr. Smith in the previous election he think he up there. He believe he was never going to lose his seat no matter what. You never hear Fraser, Marlon or Mark bashing other politician. they were humble thats why they were relected.

    Like 6
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  38. son of the soil says:

    The NDP lost because we didn’t want a island man to be premier period!

    Like 5
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    • island man says:

      However you put it every local man, woman and child here in the BVI have some sort of connections to another caribbean island. Any yes you too and all other politicians.

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  39. Mr. Hodge says:

    There are a few things that need to be considered. 1) a great leader will always look within FIRST to see where he erred and not look to blame others. 2) IF the NDP had done it’s job, there would be no reason to vote you out. 3) An at large candidate, minister and party leader cannot use eloquent words to tell a people that you aspire to lead that you cannot write laws to protect their country, their borders, their livelihood, their culture, their customs and their heritage. Dress it up in all the fancy words you’d like. Not having a masters degree does not = ignorance. If you as a leader are not going to fight and defend the people you represent then the question must be asked sir ‘who are you fighting for?’

    Like 8
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  40. Diaspora says:

    Are there not libel and slander legislation already on the books? Politicians should be not protected from libel and slander on the floor of the HOA. Some former members have used and abused that privilege. The Speaker should have acted but condoned the behaviour. The Speaker of the HOA should be neutral with his/her prime role and responsibility being to conduct meetings consistent with the HOA rules. Let’s keep it real. Who is the King of negative campaigning in the BVI? The emperor has no clothes on, empty kerosene pan, Bob the Builder……..etc.

    Who is the greatest shade flinger? Would this issue be a top priority if the Leader of NDP was not kicked to the curb? The people were the judge and they rule. Did I miss Myron public concession to Fahie and VIP? Does Walwyn see VIP as the duly elected government? Does he realized that he was a major player in the demise of the NDP? Take a seat or 2 and siddung! You heard!

    Like 2
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  41. Gimme A Break says:

    I absolutely refused to vote for any one on an NDP ticket this time around. For one thing, they had long outgrown us, their employers, the people who put them in. In their estimation, they were the elites of the BVI. Too big for us (remember the lil man you passed on the way up the ladder?). Well, pardna, we show all you who is boss.
    The second thing was the reckless, wanton spending of our tax dollars, with their high handed attitude, without the gall to consult the people of their plans or to ask for our views. The audacity!
    Then there was that horrible behaviour in the House. I stopped listening to it ages ago. It was bad enough seeing them too laid back, leaving one to believe that the job of a legislator was more about relaxing when serious matters were being debated. After all, if they chilled out for two consecutive four year terms, they qualified for a pension for life.
    No servant is (or should be) greater than his master. The egotistical attitude of the biggest loser was infuriating, and the smear campaign that person ran was despicable. Not to mention the constant boasting. The arrogance. I did not know them personally, but I voted party line – but after all of those negatives that kept popping up, especially on the campaign trail, I changed my tune.
    The ultimate goal of our politicians should be to see our country thrive, but for many, and especially the NDP guys, it was all about self (and their families). We done with the popularity contests; we done with the greedy guys..
    Now is the time for some serious introspection. We need to move away from voting for those who fill our guts, or who shower us with material things, including the white envelopes we hear so much about. We want honest politicians. Nuff said.

    Like 2
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  42. Equal Rights says:

    Equal Rights
    The Police said that they are currently focusing on the Elmore Stoutt High School Wall Audit Report ; hence M**** may be looking at a very very very long Jail sentence. Consequently his political future is Tiff Tone Dead.
    Ill gotten Gains have absolutely no Gilters.
    God is good all of the times.
    Amen

    Like 1
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  43. island man says:

    Mark just say he cane from Anguilla so please do not say Myron from another island that why he lose his seat. Mark born in another island yet won back his seat.

  44. Anonymous says:

    A kingdom rises and falls on its leader! Mr Walwyn based on your words you blame Tom..Dick..and Harry for all the mishaps..Your actions prove you lack understanding and you are not humble. Take thistome

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  45. open your eyes says:

    A kingdom rises and falls on its leader! Mr Walwyn based on your words..you cast blame on Tom..Dick and Harry! You lack understanding, and humility..Do justly..show mercy..and walk humbly.

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