Hon Walwyn denies being the cause of NDP’s split
During JTV’s The Big Story on February 18, 2025, host Cathy O. Richards said to Hon Walwyn, “When it comes to the splitting of the NDP which resulted in the formation of the PVIM, one of the things that has been said and continues to be said is that you were one of the root causes that would have caused the division of the party.”
He replied, “I don’t subscribe to that and it is the same persons who have an ulterior motive that say that.”
Hon Walwyn says he won NDP’s “free and fair” election
Hon Walwyn, who is also a member of the three-man Alliance along with Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) and Hon Stacy R. Mather (AL), explained the NDP had a free and fair election.
“The constitution of the National Democratic Party allows any member of the party, whether you’re elected or unelected, to run for certain executive positions. I went forward and put my name for the executive position,” he explained.
Hon Walwyn also said he got Hon Ronnie W. Skelton’s blessing to contest the election for the leadership of the NDP.
“So we went forward and ran, and I won. How [could] winning an election through a process that has been established by the constitution of a body be divisive?” he asked.
Blaming him for NDP’s split is “absolutely false”- Hon Walwyn
Hon Walwyn then said the issue which arose following the election was that he won.
He added, “I was not supposed to win, maybe that’s what it was, but I won handsomely…and then you break off and go somewhere because I won and I am the problem…you don’t see something is wrong with that conversation?”
He said it is “absolutely false” to lay the blame on him.
“I have been one of the persons who have been one of the strongest proponents for getting the parties back together…because I spoke with Hon [Marlon A.] Penn not once but twice about this,” he said.
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6 Responses to “Hon Walwyn denies being the cause of NDP’s split”
Correct me if im wrong.
If folks claim to love country over self why can’t folks put pride or whatever ill feelings they have aside and work together for a better BVI.
Hon. Walwyn has the experience, the vision, and the ability to lead this Territory. More importantly, I believe he has learned that influence and persuasion can be just as powerful—if not more—than simply using his intellect as a sword. Leadership is about building consensus, not just winning arguments. I also see that he has tempered his use of hyperbole, which has its place, but must be used wisely.
But let’s be clear—the NDP’s future hinges on one man: Hon. Skelton. He is the linchpin to whether this party can regroup and reclaim its position. Yet, his stubbornness and pride stand in the way. If he does not shift his perspective, the party will remain in limbo for another four years until he chooses to step aside. He only needs to look at Hon. Fraser to see that leadership does not always have to follow a straight path. If he could understand that, maybe—just maybe—NDP could move forward again.