'It’s just the two of us at this point'- Hon Penn on fragmented Opposition
The Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM), a fragment of the National Democratic Party (NDP) led by Hon Ronnie V. Skelton (AL), was officially dissolved with Hon Skelton returning to the NDP. This announcement was made on March 26, 2025.
Member of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has confirmed that he and the former Opposition Leader Hon Skelton are, however, the only two elected members of the party working together on that mission.
“It’s just the two of us at this point…who are part of the discussions and moving to make a merger a possibility,” he told the Co-hosts of the ZBVI 780 AM weekly show Talking Points on April 7, 2025.
This raises questions as other members of the Opposition including recently sworn-in Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition Hon Myron W. Walwyn (R6), Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), and Hon Stacy R. Mather (AL), actual motive behind forming what they term a ‘Parliamentary’ grouping called The Alliance, claiming it was a move that needed to be done for the good of the Virgin Islands (VI) and its people. The trio announced this on January 30, 2025.
In interviews since the Alliance’s formation, the members have called for the unification of opposition forces. However, according to what Hon Penn said on Monday’s Talking Points and in previous interviews, the three are not part of the conversation on the reunification of the NDP.
Alliance Members haven’t formally resigned from their respective parties
Co-host Mr Damion C. Grange asked, “What happened here? We know there were conversations and radio interviews that the Opposition did where conversations were being had of uniting the parties and then we heard another fragmenting…The Alliance. Is that a party?
Hon Penn replied that the three members of Alliance would be best suited to answer that.
"You will have to ask them that question.
“They have said publicly that they are not a party and are working collaboratively to deal with issues in the House of Assembly, that’s what they have said.”
Hon Penn also said Hon Walwyn has not formally resigned from the NDP, while Hons Mather and Turnbull have not resigned from the PVIM.
National Executive Committee will decide on membership- Hon Penn
Pressing some more, Mr Grange asked Hon Penn, “Do you want the member to remain in the party?” Hon Penn replied, “That’s not a decision for me to make.”
While the parties have now merged, Hon Penn said they are working out the marginations between the two parties.
“The National Executive Committee is actually reconstituted and is going to be the decision-making arm of the party that makes decisions on membership.”
Hon Penn used disciplinary actions, such as dealing with insubordination, as an example of one such role of the committee.
“The reality is the National Executive Committee will make that decision.”
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26 Responses to “'It’s just the two of us at this point'- Hon Penn on fragmented Opposition”
The @#$ Clown Brigade In Action.
Everything he said was facts about division in this territory
And he’s such a polite and approachable individual
I’d have to say has my respect
It’s not what u do
Is how u do it
We're ready for snap elections!
This week;
It's just the two of us for now..
Which is it?
And what the %$#@ is that suppose to mean that they both have local parents and wives? Who cares? Just because you are local that dose not ENTITLE YOU TO WALK AROUND WITH A GOLD AND DIAMOND CROWN ON YOUR HEAD AND EXPECT EVERYONE TO BOW DOWN BEFORE YOU. OKAYYYY!!!?????.