Walwyn, Turnbull, Mather form alliance ahead of next elections
Three members of the parliamentary Opposition—Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull and Stacy ‘Buddha’ Mather of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM), along with Myron Walwyn of the National Democratic Party (NDP)—have announced an alliance with the aim of forming a single political party to contest the next general elections constitutionally due in 2027.
During a press conference on Thursday, January 30, the legislators stated that while they remain members of their respective parties, they have decided to unite in the House of Assembly (HOA) and work towards merging into one party ahead of the next election.
Sixth District Representative Walwyn acknowledged that mistakes were made in the 2023 elections, which resulted in their parties failing to secure government.
“It is now our turn to do our part to come together so that the people can have a viable alternative to represent them in the next general elections,” Walwyn stated.
Meanwhile, Second District Representative Turnbull explained that the alliance is focused on bringing the Opposition under one banner to present a united front in the next elections.
“What we are doing is unifying and solidifying our approach to representing the people in the House of Assembly and our districts, so that we can present ourselves for the next general elections to be the government that serves this territory,” he said.
At-Large Territorial Representative, and Deputy Speaker Mather emphasized the urgency of their efforts.
“We’re seven years away from the last time these two political parties were united, and if we don’t start having these conversations now, it will be a decade,” Mather noted, referring to the former NDP, which splintered to form the breakaway PVIM.
While the legislators insist that a new party has not yet been formed, they described the alliance as the first step in bringing two factions of the Opposition together under one banner.
They also confirmed that PVIM leader Ronnie Skelton, NDP leader Marlon Penn, and At-Large Territorial Representative Lorna Smith are aware of their decision. Discussions are ongoing to bring other Opposition members on board.
Additionally, the trio has invited members of the public who share their vision to join their movement.
Turnbull added that they will now support each other’s arguments in the House of Assembly and collaborate within their districts as they work towards achieving unity and forming a strong political alternative for the territory.
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These guys are opportunists. Its unclear how this move creates unity. I see it as further dividing the opposition. In the meantime, the premiere and has group are laughing at them. Oh well, another day in the BVI
Power Mad
I personally believe that this is a good start. Since 2019 the NDP and the PVIM were formed. They both lost the elections in 2019 and 2023. The two party leaders did nothing for 7 years to bring the two groups back together. In 2023 they failed because they wanted to decided who will be Premier for 2 years and who will take over after blah blah. They could not agree on anything and they lost to the VIP. With all the crap the VIP did and Andrew getting jailed they still could not beat the VIP. That alone should have made those two leaders resign. Shameful.
Since 2023 the same two leaders have not made any progress to get the parties together. Election is 2 years away. Marlon has not had an election for leadership of the NDP. He hijacked the NDP since Myron lost election in 2019. We are in 2023 and he has not called an election for leadership. That is why he don’t want to join them because he want to hold on to his fake leadership of the NDP. I don’t agree with everything those three gentlemen handled but I support their move. Don’t sit down and wait for the those two slothful leaders. Also leave Lorna in her corner. She will betray both groups for her own interest.
Skellie wont get out the way to selfish and arrogant, Marlon is the future but for right now…….. Lorna is ThE CAPTAIN.
Yes Marlon, have not called a meeting to vote for a leader, but do not say he hijacked. It was him along while everyone left, including those who founded NDP.
Right now the best thing to do is done away with NDP and PVIM as there are no leaders for the parties. Ronnie will not run again and Marlon was not an elected leader of the NDP. Start a fresh.
Levans, Marlon, and other like minded individuals should join them. Lorna, Skelton, Clyne nor the Wheatleys and Mouse not included.
They still cant get it together
Where are the other 3 stooges?
If they cant get together now how will they get together on election night? Its gonna be the same bull shiggidy again….CANT GET IT FORMED
Where’s the leader for PVIM and NDP? I done smell confusion
A step in the right direction. Forming alliances across party lines is always a very good thing to do. The country needs this. My only hope is that the others come on board in addition to some new competent faces. You will have the naysayers but keep moving forward.
THAT JUDGE WIGO IS GOING TO MAKE , WE ALL KNOW HE LOVES TO BANG OFF HIS MOUTH , SO JUST THROW HE AND HIS WIG IN THE TOILET AND FLUSH IT )) YOU GUYS ARE VERY INTELLIGENT AND WE NEED SOME PEOPLE WHO IS WILLING AND CAPABLE OF WORKING TOGETHER IN UNITY FOR THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE AND THE COUNTRY’S BEST INTEREST , ITS A START AND WE KNOW YOU ALL CAN DO IT
But you are the same one who said that Wigo was trying to stir up trouble when he stated that this was happenning,, and now ITS HAPPENING. So who is the fake person? You are losing credibility. Wigo was RIGTH they are plotting a cou . You sir are FAKE!!!!!!
BVI people really special mehson. You all complain that the opposition isn’t coming together when in fact is Marlon and Ronnie who wouldn’t do their jobs properly to make it happen. Three members decide to make a stance to prompt the others to action and you all have a problem. When 2027 come and nothing ain’t happen you all will be the same one blaming everybody the same way for the parties not coming together. Myron, Mitch and Mather you all doing the right thing. Don’t study these confused people who don’t know what they want. They say they want unity and now it is taking shape they still got a problem. That’s why Trump does do what he want and don’t study people. People crazy.
Good politicians are shewed and decisive. I see nothing wrong the position these guys have taken to move the process along. Continuing with the stale mate will not bring them any closer to taking government which is the desired outcome of them putting themselves in the political ring. An election is looming and something needs to change. Politics is a game of chess. As it stands now there will likely find themselves in opposition again with present state of the opposition so someone had to make a move. If I was in Sowando`s shoe, however, I would call an early election and get a new mandate before the opposition regroups.
It had to be done! Some people want to hold on to certain positions because of personal ambitions pretending like they can’t see they killing the team. PVIM and NDP need to join back and some people need to just fall back and let the best person for the job lead the team. Put what’s best for the whole country over y’all personal wants and ambitions for once man.
Wishful thinking that they will still be in office for 3 more years.
Funny man looking premier not going to happen
Same results so let them stick their heads in the sand. He would win his 6th but not Premier. Maybe he thinks the first time was a fluke
The Alliance. What is this, wrestling?
Great news!!!!
I believe the name, “The Three Stooges” is already taken.
This is good news! What kept this from happening soo long? I really hope Marlon joins them, they will be unstoppable!
MW with his power-hungry madness just handed the VIP a gift that cannot stop giving. SAD
People forget the 3 parties did in fact defeat the VIP last election! If Lorna wasn’t power hungry and patient, Sowande wouldn’t be Premier right now! Sounds familiar? Just like how Mitch Mather n Myron are power hungry and can’t wait for proper internal meetings to take place to truly unify the Opposition ahead is the elections. They just had to try to get the spotlight on themselves early! Inserted of being good team players and discussing in earnest a real unification.
It takes you 2 years to have a meeting?
Why you all on MW so. The man is the only one that speaks up and for the people in the house. He is a man of action and not just words. He is quick on his feet and mind. He is a talker, can represent us locally, regionally and internationally. He is an all rounder. He sets his mind and he gets it done. He aint no criminal as many of you said and now you still knocking him down. Like what you all really want. Tell me. This is one man that will always get my vote once I am voting.
The Consequences of a Divided Opposition: Lessons from the Past
A six-member opposition splitting into two rival factions is a devastating blow to its effectiveness. Instead of forming a united front against the ruling government, the opposition is fractured, significantly reducing its ability to mount a credible challenge. This internal conflict weakens their collective influence, as energies are directed inward toward rivalry rather than outward toward governance and reform. History has shown that such fragmentation has dire consequences, paving the way for political defeat.
Lessons from the Past: A Costly Division
This is not the first time the opposition has been divided. The previous NDP party split proved disastrous, leading to both factions, NDP and PVIM, losing to an unlikely candidate—an original VIP opposition member who stood alone but brought in six inexperienced new members to rule the government. That split demonstrated the high cost of infighting: the party’s failure to remain unified allowed the unexpected VIP to take power, changing the nation’s political landscape entirely. The consequences of that division should serve as a stark warning.
As we all know too well, a single individual dominated and dictated the financial decisions of every ministry, department, and statutory board at his own whim—without scrutiny, objection, or due caution. This overwhelming influence stifled accountability and prudent governance, creating a culture where financial decisions were made impulsively rather than strategically for the benefits of a select few of his kind.
As a direct consequence of this domineering persona, we were left in the chaos of a COI and by default led by a cadre of inexperienced ministers, navigating blindly toward an uncertain future. Their lack of expertise and foresight has driven the territory toward the precipice of infrastructural decay, financial instability, and a leadership vacuum incapable of delivering sustainable development. The very foundations of governance have been eroded, leaving behind a legacy of mismanagement that threatens long-term progress and prosperity
The Dangers of a Second Split
Yet another division will again lead to vote splitting, inevitably benefiting the ruling party. Regardless of who leads their ticket, a fragmented opposition means reduced voter turnout and diluted electoral strength. Even if all factions retain strong individual support, they will ultimately weaken their overall impact by competing against each other rather than forming a coalition. The opposition’s strength lies in unity, and every split only erodes that foundation.
The Need for Unity: Strength in Numbers
To effectively challenge the ruling party, the opposition must consolidate its voter base, pool resources, and present a formidable, united front. Internal differences and personal ambitions must take a backseat to the larger goal: serving the country and providing a credible alternative to the current administration. The inability to compromise in the past led to political failure—history should not repeat itself.
A Call for Reflection and Strategy
Opposition members must think carefully before proceeding with another split. Every individual has strengths, but in politics, numbers matter. A divided opposition is a weak opposition. Those seeking power must recognize that personal ambition must sometimes be tempered by the broader needs of the nation. If an individual desires to be on the ruling side, then compromise and strategic alliances are necessary steps toward achieving that goal.
The country must come before itself. Time and circumstances offer opportunities to correct past mistakes, but only if lessons are learned. The opposition must recognize that unity, not division, is their greatest weapon. Without it, history will only repeat itself, leading to another unnecessary defeat. The choice is clear: unite or risk irrelevance once again.