We will be ready for snap elections, Penn insists
Eighth District Representative and National Democratic Party (NDP) leader Marlon Penn has declared that his party is ready for a snap election if the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) government calls one.
Speaking on the Talking Points radio programme, Penn said the NDP remains focused on building a strong team to address the territory’s major challenges. He also confirmed that the NDP and the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) merger is on track, with plans to hold a party convention by the end of 2025.
“We would be ready if, indeed, the government chooses to call a snap election,” Penn stated. “I don’t see it happening, but if they so choose, then we have to be ready.”
Penn addressed recent political shifts, including the surprise announcement of the Opposition Alliance – a loose grouping of three opposition members. He confirmed that he and fellow NDP member Ronnie Skelton were unaware of the alliance’s launch until after it was publicly revealed.
“When the official announcement was made, we weren’t aware of it,” Penn said. “We were in a meeting on Tuesday, and it was made, I think, on a Thursday.”
He reiterated that the NDP had been engaged in long-standing discussions to reunite with the PVIM. “Our focus is that we have done the hard part – to get back the organisation under one roof,” he explained.
Despite fragmentation in the past two election cycles, Penn expressed confidence in the NDP’s chances at the polls. “We’re going to bring our message back to the people of the Virgin Islands… and present a viable alternative,” he asserted.
In addition to political readiness, Penn also stressed the need for collaborative leadership in addressing economic and infrastructure concerns, especially amid rising global tariffs.
“This country is not about assisting the Premier. It’s about assisting the people of the Virgin Islands,” he stated.
Penn’s comments come amid speculation over the possibility of an early general election in the BVI. According to reports, some political commentators believe the governing Virgin Islands Party may consider snap elections to capitalise on recent unity within its ranks and its legislative advantage.
Nonetheless, Penn made it clear that the NDP is focused on issues affecting the territory, including tariffs and the government’s recent $100 million loan. “Let us focus on the main issues that this country is faced with… and put together a team of individuals that have the capacity to move this country forward,” he said.
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Slow news day, I see.
The artice states “He also confirmed that the NDP and the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) merger is on track, with plans to hold a party convention by the end of 2025”.But then went on to say …“We would be ready if, indeed, the government chooses to call a snap election,” so which is it ?because the prior statement seems to indicate that things are not quite stettled , but if a snap election is called that could be at anytime not necessarily at the end of the year. The apparent inability to finalize a fundamental leadership decisions within the NDP-PVIM merger underscores a lack of decisive action . Would they lead the Territory with the same inaction and vacillation?
Very good assessment. You caught him telling untruths. Marlon tells a lot in untruthful stories. If you think Andrew was bad then you have not met Marlon.
If you think it is a contradiction, call a snap. You all keep trying to confuse the populace but progress waits for no one.
Sir/Madam his own words have simply been regurgitated so how is that trying to confuse the populance? These are literaly his own words. Please explain? Your statment is confusing.
I don’t know who in their right mind will follow Marlon’s leadership. He is not ready for that level of leadership and everyone including his own party people know this.
The people around Marlon need to stop talking around him and tell him the truth. The change this country needs cannot be brought by Marlon. Just look at it around you. What has Marlon done in his district? What has he done with NDP? The guy is a do nothing person. Sowande would mop the floor with him again for the second time.
HE WASN’T EVEN READY FOR THE LIL ELECTION THAT MYRON HELD AMONG THE OPPOSITION MEMBERS
Does this guy even know what’s a snap election. Who are your candidates? They are supposed to be out and about in the community canvassing votes. WTH is he talking about being ready. These guys are just jokers. I going register in the 6th! That is the only district candidate I see who has been working since last election as well as the 2 Alliance members but they too need to get their candidates together.
The irony would be if he loses his 8th district seat at the end of said snap election.
This guy is clearly delusional.
support. he is ready.
I worked with Marlon before. He is l**y and most times very unprepared. He ties to give an impression but if you look closer you will see he is not at the level that he should be. I like him as a person but for where my country is now and what it needs Marlon does not have the attributes. This cannot be about who believe they are entitled to something. We have a lot at stake. I prefer us to stay with Natalio than go with Marlon. I don’t have confidence in any of them and would hope that something difference emerges.
@ tie cents: please sowandie and Marlon stop blogging under different names, BVI need change, not the continuous payments to Vybz Kartel and parties.
THE SCENT OF THE PERSPIRATION FROM THE ARMPIT OF MR ALOOF IS CAUSING RETARDATION AS MR ALOOF SAID THAT THE COI WAS CAUSING / MITCHIE , REALISED HE GOT PLAYED AND MADE THE NESSESARY ADJUSTMENTS AND PUT IN A REVERSE GEAR AND IS NOW BREATHING CLEAN FRESH AIR . ( THIS JOKER JOINED FORCES WITH THE SAME POWER HUNGRY DUDE WHO CAUSED THE IMPLOSION OF THE NDP / WHO CAUSED THE IMPLOSION OF THE
NEW OPPOSITION / BECAUSE OF HIS POWER HUNGRY MENTALITY THEY REFUSED TO UNITE AS ONE AND FORM THE GOVERNMENT AFTER THE ELECTION / WHICH SHOWS THAT HE AND OTHERS DID NOT OR DO NOT HAVE THE COUNTRY’S BEST INTEREST IN THEIR HEART , EVEN AN IFIOT LIKE ME CAN SEE THAT / HE COULDN’T RVEN FILE A ” MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE ” / TALKING ABOUT THAT ~ WHAT
REALLY HAPPENED TO ALL THE NOISE ABOUT IT ❓️ //\_ THE 3RD DISTRICT EMPEROR DID A SLIP & SLIDE ON TO THE DEPUTY’S SEAT IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE , THE WARMTH OF THE LADY SAT THERE , WAS STILL THERE WHAT A SET OF HONORABLE HYPOCRITES WE HAVE HERE • HE WAS THE ONE WHO WAS MAKING A WHOLE SET OF NOISE ABOUT GOING TO WAR AGAINST THE ( COI ) BUT NOT A WORD OF WHAT WAS DISCOVERED BY THE ( COI ) AND ABOUT CORRECTING THE CORRUPTION THAT STILL EXISTS , AINT THAT FUNNY , HEY BLONDIE LEH WE HEAR YOU HOLLER OUT ON THESE THINGS / YOU GOT THE YELLO SITE AS A PLATFORM TO ENLIGHTEN THE PEOPLE WITH THE TRUTH INSTEAD OF UOUR SH*TTY NARRATIVES ON RACISM AND BLOGGING AND BADMOUTHING THOSE YOU HATE / ITS TIME TO CLEAN UP YOUR ACT
You are another delusional one. Ronnie caused the destruction of the NDP. You all need to stop telling soo much lies. NDP had an election and Myron win. How does winning cause the problem? The one who lose is who left to form a party. That shows that his character is bad. You must be gracious in defeat.
Now Ronnie run back to NDP again because he lost the support of his two PVim colleagues and the leader of the opposition position. If he isn’t in charge he don’t want to be a part.
You all must learn to tell the truth and stop the lies. Ronnie has been the problem all through this because of his entitlement.
Premier got them worried. After all that they have done to themselves, a snap election is not necessary to beat them.
He is ready for a snap election but has not had party elections since 2018. He took siege of the NDP for 7 years now without even an election for himself to be voted as leader. Can’t run a party but want to run a country.
Marlon go step down you a j**e and a wa**e of time
Congratulations, Honourable Penn!
I’ve always believed in your leadership, and if put to the mettle, you will emerge as a shining star, from the East!
I will await for the pronouncements of the remaining candidacies..but, don’t. you. tarry!
Poor you
so do folks on both the Alliance and VIP; pick your poison.
Who will be the leader? You’re ready for a snap election so that you could hold on to leadership again without a proper convention. Stop forcing yourself on the people. Nobody including your friends have any confidence in your leadership abilities. When are you going to understand this?