Walwyn shut out from NDP discussions?
Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn has revealed that he was recently excluded from key discussions within the National Democratic Party (NDP), raising questions about internal rifts and disunity.
During a recent interview with JTV News, Walwyn disclosed that despite his position within the NDP, he was not informed about a crucial party meeting.
“There was one that apparently took place recently. I wasn’t made aware of it, but that’s how it is sometimes,” Walwyn stated matter-of-factly. “I was not advised of the meeting”.
Walwyn’s exclusion comes amidst growing political tension following the formation of an alliance within the parliamentary Opposition. The alliance, which includes Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) and Territorial At-Large Representative Stacy ‘Buddha’ Mather, was formed to present a more united opposition front.
However, questions have been raised about the implications of this new grouping for party loyalty and cohesion.
When asked about his continued affiliation with the Marlon Penn-led NDP, Walwyn confirmed, “I am still a member of the National Democratic Party. I have not resigned.” He clarified that the alliance was not about forming a new political party but rather about enhancing opposition unity. “Our immediate objective right now is… to work closer together as a unit, to be a more formidable force in the opposition,” he explained.
The alliance follows long-standing calls from party supporters for unity among opposition factions. “We are saying that we want to transcend politics in the best interests of representation for our people,” Walwyn asserted, defending the alliance as a strategic move to consolidate opposition efforts.
Walwyn and Turnbull strongly rejected claims that the trio created further division with their newly formed alliance. “I don’t quite understand how two bodies or individuals who historically, politically, didn’t work together, now coming together, can be viewed as divisive,” he said.
The NDP faced an internal split in 2018 when former Health Minister Ronnie Skelton departed to form the PVIM after losing the leadership bid to Walwyn. This division has continued to impact the party’s unity and strategy.
Despite the internal friction, Walwyn said he remains committed to his role within the NDP and bringing the two factions together. “I have been one of the strongest proponents for getting the parties back together,” Walwyn said. “I spoke with Honourable Penn not once, but twice about this [alliance].”
As the political landscape in the British Virgin Islands evolves, Walwyn’s exclusion from party discussions raises important questions about the NDP’s internal dynamics. His call for unity and transparency resonates amid growing public scrutiny of the party’s leadership and direction.
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My observations:
I see in Hon. Penn someone who is very insecure. His actions suggest this. He placed the NDP under siege since the elections of 2019 and installed himself as the leader because he was one of the few left standing after the 2019 elections. We are now in 2025 and at no time in between those years did that party call a convention for leadership? This is unbelievable! Yet he still touts himself as the leader?
Hon. Penn would obviously see Hon. Walwyn as the most likely to defeat him if a convention in the NDP is held. It is rumored that party members do not see in Penn the leadership qualities needed. We can all see it to be honest.
This move to not invite Walwyn to meetings is all
Part of his insecurity to protect his so called position as leader. It also shows a quality that leaders should not act on “emotion”. From my observation, district 6 likes Walwyn. You would make emotions cause you to lose a seat that is relatively safe at this point? This is another example of poor leadership. He did a similar thing by expelling Hon. Lorna Smith because he was in his feelings.
The NDP will not win with Hon. Penn as its leader. People like him but don’t see him as Premier material. He had a golden chance in the 2023 elections with all the VIp has going against them and he blew it. I watched him on the campaign and he just didn’t have it. I’m sorry.
I agree with you 100% but also understand that Mitch, Mather and Myron are losers as well if they all don’t come together and form a proper team to contest the next elections. Why is this so difficult when it’s the same Mitch that walked away and formed PVIM with Ronnie when Myron won. Now it’s the same Mitch that is back at it again claiming to be a saint but was the devil behind the breakup. Hon. Penn said what tore the party cannot bring it back together and I think it went over people’s heads. He was speaking of the young Turnbull and I agree with him.
Petty part politics is what killed NDP. Lorna and the inner cabal made the move to get RS outta the country while they (senior party members) decided to vote and got him out of the way. Penn is not as ‘honest’ as you portray him to be. Neither are the ones who endorsed JF to cross over to displace LS. Penn has held ministerial portfolios and what were his proven results? Nada. It’s clear that RS & MP are fighting to hold on to whatever perceived power they have now with their dwindling popularity.
RS and MP have had opportunities to effect change for h th r majority, but; they show their small mindedness by making untruthful statements trying to mislead the public. I dare them to call their party members to vote! Btw, how many ‘active’ members are there for both parties? Have dies been paid?
WALLY , IS SAYING )> I AIN’T MIND , AH GAH ME EYE ON DEM TWO SNAKES , DAH PLAYING GAMES IN THE BUSHES THEY WERE 2 OF YHE 3 THAT WERE PLAYING GAMES AND CAUSED UD TO LOOSE THE ELECTION , AND NOW ALL 3 HAVE SHOWN THEIR TRUE COLORS
See them fighting for power
The dead weights in their feelings is all what happen. Is time for NDP to have an internal election.
I am confused. How is it that Myron says he is representing the NDP in the Alliance but he was not notified of their meetings. So is Myron representing NDP in the Alliance or is he representing Myron? I hope this is not a case where the smart man is being outsmarted.
My Observations: Sometimes it’s not what you see, it’s what you look for. No two people are alike. Hon. Penn may not be the RA, Ra type But I would believe him over many. He speaks the Truth Loud and Clear and I don’t hear no one challenging him. He fights for his people. You hear him in the HOA. He is Not on the Government’s side so He can only ask, But at least you hear him. True Leadership is not about who can shout the loudest But whose Heart is about not some But All the people. A True Leader is one who is willing to follow and not just Lead. A true Leader has certain Qualities that are seen without them saying “I am the Leader”. A true Leader does not criticize their opponent, They highlight what they will do differently if given the opportunity. Sometimes it’s Not about who can shout the loudest, it’s about Integrity and Intention. May God continue to Bless Hon. Penn in his Endeavours. Whom God Bless, No Man Curse..
Hon. Penn may not have the text book competencies of Leadership that anonymous speaks of however neither did Hon.H.L Stoutt or for that matter Trump. its goes beyond that and as you state it is the belief of the people whether real or previeved that you are out there fighting for them. I do see Penn as one day being the leader of the Territory but I do believe that there are some things he can learn from Hon.Walwyn. Hon Walwyn also connects with people well , he however is not as approachable as Hon.Penn.
Stop making excuses for laziness and inactiveness. Look at the state of NDP from 2019 to 2025. They could not even field a full slate of candidates and they have no district committees and so on. That is a direct reflection of the leadership or lack of it. Call things straight. Even looking at Marlon in the House does make me want to go straight to sleep. The people around some of these politicians need to start telling them the truth. Marlon is a good man to be on a team but not as the leader. And those of you around him know that but afraid to say it. Stupidness
Hon. Walwyn also get things done. Marlon is not a doer.
Myron needs to get someone strong to contest district 8. Send PENN packing. He so feel the people of that district wants him. ALL they need is a decent option. 2.4.6. and 8 can be the alliance own.
Well partna clearly you still under some spell but you will wake up soon. The mask is coming off slowly from Mr. Penn face.
All I have to say from observing Marlon for a while, soft and can be easily manipulated. He looks like a coward sucking up under Ronnie. I’m just sitting back quietly looking on to see how this unfolds.All you have to do is sit back, keep your mouth shut and loooooook and you will get the answer.
I peeped that shot, it’s like a game,Marlon visiting Australia to see the kangaroos was pushed by natalio, and now the Asia trip where you heard both Marlon and Lorna and Ronnie denounce their opposition base in order to be validated by natalio, more to unfold before our eyes. Myron walwyn has be on track ever since the others there sleeping on the job.
If NDP want to maximize their shot at winning the next election they need to merge back with PVIM and select a new leader else is like you just giving it away to VIP yet again. Is NDP so sure that they want Penn to lead them that they don’t even have to vote on it?
Mitch and Ronnie are the ones who left the NDP and should be the ones to be the bigger men and return then have elections for leadership.
He is partically responsible for the split because of ego and I dont believe that he is enough of a Team player to step aside now.He is the linch pin in this whole situation. If he relinquished the party would fall back into place.
the late Paul P. Wattley must be rolling in his grave to see what became of the NDP Oh how we miss him, may his soul rest in peace
Turning over the whole table of dominoes just because the game not going your way, ain’t nothing honorable about that. I can’t support somebody like that being the leader. Nobody entitled to no position we have a democracy. If you so sure you is the man then win your position fair and square other people should think you the man as well if that’s actually so.
Same thing he did to Skelton. He wasted until Skelton was traveling and then called meeting and elections for the NDP leadership. Poor Skelton has no clue! Well now it happening to you too Myron! And how you say the people and the party want you to form this Alliance but the same people exclude you from them meetings? So who you in the alliars representing? You only there because you could get the other 2 blind mice to follow you in your quest to become Premier. You all about yourself and power! I beg them change the law so only At Large could become Premier! Shut yuh greedy self out!
You don’t have a clue what you are saying. Get your facts straight before posting pi**.
Any who in that case it will be so much better if you decide to shut your local bushman mouth shut.You have no idea what you are talking about. Just talking about rumors that you heard from another local bushman.
Marlon, that was such a petty move to exclude Walwyn. Please grow up!
Now imagine somebody so petty and scared being premier.
the Alliance is a party
Agreed 100%. That was indeed a petty move. Just hope when he gets back from Asia he is coming back with a wealth of information that will help the Territory move forward.
From the years, election cycles, hour and minute the NDP reniged on its promises to teachers especially, my faith and support have been shattered and have never recovered.
I am still in support of Mr. Ww, for some strange reason, but for me NDP wronged me awefully and never looked back to fix those wrongs, even after speaking with Mr.Ww on the water front and getting assurances for the better.
Hence, in conversations with others since, only an authorized increase in retirement income and social security would ease the current pains, suffering and disappointment curently a regular at the meals table.
Did you even read the article? Hon. Walwyn was asked a question in the interview and he gave a response. Are you really that mentally slow? I don’t think he is complaining. He asked a question
The Peter and Mushroom principles are live and flourishing in these VI’s. If you don’t k is what both are please go enlighten yourselves. VIP seem well versed in both.
That’s all I gotta say about this. Marlon and Natalio fit squarely in both! Ronnie is more of a mushroom principle guy. He thrives on that environment.
Kudos to Mitch, Myron and Mather for the alliance that have formed. These three men s going to take the Territory in the direction that it should. The majority of you need to stop with the power hungry BS excuse that you claim the three men is after. I love Mitch, Myron and Mather and I will continue to support them. Like my screen name says, don’t come for me. PLEASE AND THANK YOU.
I agree as well and I would say this. Myron Walwyn was the best Education Minister we have had. Who don’t agree with my comment for whatever reasons you have towards Myron Walwyn, you may simply continue to kick hot rocks down the dusty road. Stacy Mather will be a good Education Minister. That is how i feel.
People stop with the NDP, and VIP talk. We done with the party stupidness. It does not work for the territory. Look at the people and not the party. That’s what Myron, Mather and Turnbull are showing us. Look for leaders who will stand out and show up for the country. No body better come tell me xhit about no party. Come hard come good cause I am watching the individual and not the party.
@ My take:
Agreed on that principle over twenty years ago.
The majority of supporters for NDP is in agreement the there has to be a merger of the factions
Here are my opinions:
A. VIP is having a field day!! If there is no merger, the chances of them going back is guaranteed.
B. they are in power , and COI or not they can divert finances to fund their campaign under numerous government guises .
Now to NDP and PVIM
1. Marlon and Ronnie need to pull up
Their big boy pants and meet with the Alliance to and have a conversation about having a convention with members from both sides
2. Let the convention choose the Chairman of the party
3. Do NOT ALLOW PRiDE tp be the downfall of the next elections
4. Those of you who are advising Marlon and Ronnie need to tell
Both of them to stand together for the love of this country.
5. When you have the covention no one say it was unfair . Then we would see, who really love there VI
BVI people are special. Party politics is destroying this place. Myron should follow Marlon who is a dead and uninspiring leader. Mitch and Mather must follow Ronnie who is old, tired and need to go home. These guys sound like they want to make a difference in the country. They are right to come out from behind the blind leadership crap and do something productive. I support them 100 percent.
Myron need to go run in Antigua
Hear this m** m** now. We really doomed
Two sides must come together and in a DEMOCRATIC PROCESS elect a leader. It’s the only way!!
This party has a history of not respecting anything. Last election they had wasn’t it Skelton who left because he lose? I lost all respect for him since then.
vip either. how was carvin undermined? Alliance shift yourselves back.
Ronnie need to go home and leave the leadership to the next generation. It’s their turn. Why a 74 year old man tripping up 40 and 50 year olds? And he is not even a good leader. He just want to be Premier to feel accomplished. Give the others a chance.
How Ronnie come 74??? LOL
Ronnie look old or weak or frail to you?
They democratically voted him to be the Opposition leader. It’s sad that you all can’t see the Myron is the pla**e and is the gr**dy one who will die trying to become Premier here. He cause division and confusion everywhere he goes! It is amazing to me that you bloggers are this blind and can’t see Myron for the s**ke that he is! But then again most are paid bloggers.
The people’s of NDP and PVIM should reject the leadership of both Marlon and Ronnie. It took the formation of tan Alliance group to get them to all of a sudden with haste try to join the two parties back. Ask yourselves why? It is because they both only care about holding their positions. They are afraid of being misplaced by the Alliance. My advice to Myron, Mitch and Mather is to keep going. Form a party and get good people with you. Leave those two deceitful , lazy , inactive and truly power hungry set alone. If they were interested in country why didn’t they act before now? Selfishness
We will reject the Alliance first. Mather fall back in line if you please and get from between those 2 power grabbers.
Ronnie and Marlon remind me of the late to school race we used to have in primary school. Lol. Alliance from and all of a sudden Ronnie and Marlon putting on them brief and shoes running. Set of jokers. Politics in the BVI is funny
SO YOU GOT SOME MORE NEW NAMES FOR 2025 * BE FAIR * WIGGIE YOU AIN’T NO JUDGE , SO STAY IN YOUR RACIST YELLO SITE , YOUR DAD WAS AN ANTIGUAN , KEEP YOUR EVIL THOUGHT TO YOURSELF AND GO AND PLAY WITH YOUR WIG , YOU CANNOT EVEN WALK IN WALWYN’S SHADOW , YOU ARE JUST JEALOUS AND A VINDICTIVE DRAMA QUEEN
Everywhere else in the world, being educated and experienced in Management, Economics and Finance are paramount for persons running for politics. We are totally frigged because all you need to be in the Virgin Islands is young. The young jackass from West End took us down one road. Had no management experience and showed that he was, how should I say it, for the streets. We need to start voting for persons who we know can do the job, young or old and not because the young deserve a chance. Age is not a disease. It’s a blessing. If you do not age, you die young. In fact, most times that age comes with the experience needed to train and be a role model if given the opportunity to lead for the young generation to follow. What a set ah jackos. Young and in a hurry for jobs where you are winging it because most of you had one job and was never in a managerial position? It is mighty dangerous to give someone $400 million a year to manage who never even managed $100,000. I pick Skelton if you ask me, but I know, you didn’t.
A truly strong and effective opposition cannot be built on fractured and disjointed foundations. If the NDP, PVIM, Lorna Smith (Corner), and the Alliance continue to function as independent entities while attempting to present a façade of unity, their collective strength will be inherently compromised. True unity is not a mere political convenience or symbolic gesture—it demands unwavering cohesion, mutual trust, and a clearly defined, shared vision. Without these essential pillars, the opposition will remain a fragile and unstable construct, inevitably collapsing under the weight of its own contradictions and internal divisions.
While there was nothing inherently wrong with these groups coming together to strategize against the government in the House of Assembly (HOA), their public display of disunity raises serious concerns about their credibility and commitment. If members of this alliance have effectively distanced themselves from their respective parties while still claiming affiliation, they create a contradictory and confusing political landscape. How can they, in good faith, operate as an alliance while simultaneously remaining embedded within parties they have clandestinely detached from? Such ambiguity does not foster confidence; rather, it fuels skepticism and deepens public distrust.
This raises an even more pressing and critical question—is this so-called alliance genuinely committed to serving the people, or is it merely a calculated maneuver designed to consolidate power, gather intelligence, and strategically position its members for political advantage in the next election? Is this a true collective effort driven by the greater good, or is it a carefully orchestrated attempt to rebrand and create a new political force under the misleading guise of collaboration?
The people of the Virgin Islands deserve more than vague alliances and political posturing; they deserve unwavering clarity, full transparency, and a strong, unified opposition that places their well-being above self-serving ambitions. A fragmented opposition does not merely weaken itself—it betrays the very people it was elected to represent. Without genuine cohesion and a clear, people-centered agenda, this so-called alliance risks becoming nothing more than a hollow political arrangement, prioritizing power plays over the true needs of the electorate.
If the fundamental mission of the opposition was to unite, strategize, and advocate for the best interests of the people, then its members must engage in serious self-reflection—have they genuinely fulfilled that obligation? Have they demonstrated unwavering integrity, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening public trust? Or have they instead resorted to political maneuvering, internal discord, and self-serving tactics that erode confidence and weaken their collective effectiveness?
The electorate is not naïve, nor will they passively accept inconsistencies and contradictions. The people of the Virgin Islands are discerning, and they will not tolerate political gamesmanship that prioritizes personal ambitions over the nation’s progress. Leadership is not about empty alliances or calculated positioning—it is about delivering real, measurable results that uplift the people and fortify the democratic process. If the opposition is to remain relevant and effective, it must abandon division, restore credibility, and prove—through decisive action—that it is truly working in the best interest of the nation.
Furthermore, the assumption that possessing an LLB or other academic credentials automatically credentials makes one inherently superior in judgment is both arrogant and dismissive. While formal education is undoubtedly valuable, it should never be wielded as a weapon to belittle or undermine the intelligence, lived experiences, and deep-rooted wisdom of the Virgin Islands people. The electorate is not only educated but also perceptive and well-informed. They can see through political posturing and will not be swayed by titles alone.
True leadership is not measured by degrees or accolades—it is demonstrated through decisive action, unwavering integrity, and a relentless commitment to the people’s best interests. Book sense has its place, but it is common sense, practical experience, and the ability to connect with and uplift the community that truly defines effective leadership. The people of the Virgin Islands deserve leaders who stand firmly on principles, deliver results, and govern with wisdom, humility, and a deep understanding of the realities their constituents face.