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NDP & PVIM continue discussions on re-uniting!

- but no decision arrived @ yet as issues of leadership reportedly have not been resolved
February 17th, 2023 | Tags: NDP PVIM Ronnie W. Skelton Marlon A. Penn Talks merger
As the 2023 general election gets closer, two political parties- the National Democratic Party (NDP) and its breakaway group the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM)- are still meeting with the hopes to merge into one. Photo: Facebook
Talks between both parties are ongoing but there are issues as to who will lead and which candidates will be dropped from a merged NDP and PVIM. Many have said Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), left, is elected and should lead the merged group while others claim the country is ready for Mr Ronnie W. Skelton, right, to take on the weighty challenges the country faces. Photo: GIS/RDA/File
Talks between both parties are ongoing but there are issues as to who will lead and which candidates will be dropped from a merged NDP and PVIM. Many have said Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), left, is elected and should lead the merged group while others claim the country is ready for Mr Ronnie W. Skelton, right, to take on the weighty challenges the country faces. Photo: GIS/RDA/File
EAST END, Tortola, VI- As the 2023 general election gets closer, two political parties- the National Democratic Party (NDP) and its breakaway group the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM)- are still meeting with the hopes to merge into one.

Both the NDP and PVIM are part of the ruling coalition Government headed by Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP).

Sources close to the talks say for months there have been attempts to bring the two parties together to contest the 2023 general elections as one. There have; however, been concerns over who will lead the group, with the choices being the current Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) and Chairman of the PVIM Mr Ronnine W. Skelton.

In 2018, Mr Skelton was ousted from the NDP by former Premier Dr D Orlando Smith, after it was discovered he was forming the PVIM after losing a contest for Chairmanship of the NDP to former Education Minister Myron V. Walwyn.

Who will lead?

Mr Walwyn resigned as NDP Chairman on May 21, 2019, and today he faces charges for Breach of Trust over a controversial million-dollar wall at Elmore Stoutt High School. Many residents see his court matter as unfair as he has been allegedly targeted by the UK in their ongoing witch-hunt against some locals who are outspoken.

There is also confusion if Hon Penn is legitimately now the new NDP Chairman, as he held the post of Deputy Chairman before Mr Walwyn resigned. There was no party vote for Chairman of the NDP.

The talks between both parties are ongoing but there are issues as to who will lead and which candidates will be dropped from a merged NDP and PVIM. Many have said Hon Penn is elected and should lead the merged group while others claim the country is ready for Mr Skelton to take on the weighty challenges the country faces.

It is unclear if a decision will be forthcoming in time for the 2023 General election, which cannot go beyond May 12, 2023.

There are also conflicting reports and debates about who will be running from each party in a merged group. Two candidates have already announced they are with the PVIM- Shaina M. Smith-Archer and Lesmore Smith- and they will be running At-Large.

Up to the time of publication, both Hon Penn and Mr Skelton had not responded to our request for comment.

Is VIP the front-runner?

Meanwhile, the VIP has 10 out of 13 candidates and is expected to fill its final three seats by early next month. The party just confirmed its Chairman, Dr Wheatley, in a landslide victory. Hon Wheatley won 60 votes while Hon Carvin Malone (AL) gained only 12.

The VIP was also just rocked by a bombshell, with the departure of one of its At-Large Candidates, Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles, who is also a Junior Minister For Trade, Economic Development, Agriculture and Fisheries; however, there have been mixed reactions by the public and the party regarding her exit.

Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser (R3) of Progressives United noted he will be running again and that he is coming back with his political party but has not revealed any of his candidates.

Our news centre will bring more details regarding the possible merger of the NDP and PVIM, as discussions continue. 

31 Responses to “NDP & PVIM continue discussions on re-uniting!”

  • Local Brother (17/02/2023, 12:14) Like (24) Dislike (9) Reply
    Yeah!!! This is what the people need!
  • The watchdog (17/02/2023, 12:18) Like (8) Dislike (15) Reply
    Dead on arrival because of Mitch but go try Lorna
  • resident (17/02/2023, 12:21) Like (65) Dislike (2) Reply
    We don't care about no pvim ndp or vip. We are looking for individuals who can put aside petty party nonsense and move the country forward. Be ready to decrease your own political ambitions and put country first. If you are not chosen as the leader sit your azz down and work where your strengths are. We have too much issues right now for childish behaviors. If you know you not ready then don't come bothering us. We not playing with aryou!!
    • Mary (17/02/2023, 18:29) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      I agree with this writer 100%. Set of people only looking for power while the country is slipping away from us. We talk about the white man that is what they want to see. The politician who can tell us how they will address these serious issues like Banking no loans or service high cost of insurance social problems . We will vote for you under Ronnie Skelton leadership
      A man with a proven record of strong ability.
  • vip (17/02/2023, 12:38) Like (16) Dislike (13) Reply
    Who cares about flax let her go where she going
  • @Local Brother (17/02/2023, 13:14) Like (10) Dislike (26) Reply
    Idk who fool u. These 2 came out of 1 how easy we does 4get ndp 1&2 rape our treasury and we got rid of dem Y we going back there. They coming together you all CRAZY or WHAT not dem dey buddy. I rather vote for new ppl like Shania, Perline, Shereen and so on. Not dem criminals NDP.
  • Pointless (17/02/2023, 13:31) Like (8) Dislike (17) Reply
    At least I now know how to vote. These POWER HUNGRY people believe we the public are not aware of these politricks? If you think joining forces would give you some sort of advantage this election, then your fate is already sealed.
  • WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (17/02/2023, 13:35) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    like Seriouslyyyyyyyy
  • Native senior citizen (MoG) of the British Virgin Islands (17/02/2023, 13:36) Like (20) Dislike (3) Reply
    In reference to the topic matter I partially agree. On party need to be included: The Party by the people, and for the people. That means that the NDP & PVIM Party should join with the people to form a, hopefully, genuine United Party, rule by righteous principles for the selfless good of all citizens, and visitors.

    Note: With GOD our Creator (not against) all things according to His will are POSSIBLE.
  • Reset (17/02/2023, 15:47) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Dr. who said he's running @ large, where is his party.?
  • Me (17/02/2023, 15:48) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    I think each party should focus on their own candidates, PVIM get their slate and NDP get their slate. In this way we will have 3 huge parties to contest the elections and everyone will have a chance to vote for who or which party they want to put in power to manage their affairs.
  • Rubber Duck (17/02/2023, 15:55) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need a Clean Start.
  • Street Reporter. #1 (17/02/2023, 16:03) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    Great move.. Hope it works...Shaina and Lesmo..Naaah..Cindy, Picko and Damian will do better than those 2, they will have to go, their chances are 0 - 5 % of winning... Let their congress vote a leader...Neither Ronnie or Marlon should be leader, follow the Pattern like St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Kitts, fresh young bright blood, then again greed and power is the problem we have in the BVI, so I am doubtful its gong to happen..To add all the young capable ones I see are very disrespectful to the Governor and Diplomacy seems to be in limited supply and that is really what needed..I have vow never to vote for anyone that being disrespectful to the governor, now that takes me back to my Vomit,, Marlon or Ronnie, I will chose Ronnie for the first 4 years with an agreement to have Marlon as his successor...
  • 2023 (17/02/2023, 16:05) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    there is no difference between ndp & pvim: that group were responsible for for the development of this territory for 8 years and you are challenged to look around then tell yourself what you see

    who can you forget history
    Sewage still on streets and you know where
    Aero Plane have not landed yet
    fully paid yet wall not completed
    ask your friends about the pier park

    Above is your tax money,
  • The resl team.. (17/02/2023, 16:23) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    I sm waiting...Give us all the 20 candidates you hsve, psy for a week on toña radio let sll of them come on say for half and hour 15 miinute to say their piece and 15 mins to answer questions then at the end we will pick the 13 we like...How about that?
  • drain the swamp (17/02/2023, 16:26) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    We need 13 fresh politicians no more old horse
    • 2023 (17/02/2023, 16:57) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ drain the swamp: go to the head of the class, send the 13 of them on a world cruise

      get a broom and sweep the place
  • Hell no (17/02/2023, 16:33) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    NO RECYCABLES
  • Good News! (17/02/2023, 16:37) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    Yes, this is what the country needs right now.
  • … (17/02/2023, 16:44) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
    One corrupt Ndp easy for vip to win
  • dog (17/02/2023, 17:26) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    No to Ndp 1 n 2
  • NOT VOTING (17/02/2023, 18:22) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    GO BACK IN THE ROOM AND MAKE UP A JOY POWER PARTY AGAIN…. Yes Guvvy what were you saying..
  • Mash 1 (17/02/2023, 18:38) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    My opinion is that the people of the Virgin Islands prefer to vote for the Premier and not the party chose who they want.
  • Migoman (17/02/2023, 19:30) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    Marlon need to step aside and take one for the team. Ronnies leadership is the best option right now to get SOWANDE and his comrads out
  • VI Gyal (17/02/2023, 20:47) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    So how is NDP or PVIM so corrupt and not VIP past or present?

    I think many of us follow what we want when it comes to politics in the BVI.

    When VIP in power the country seems to be struggling more. NDP in power the people of the BVI eat a little more than bread and cheese.

    I do not see why we always dwell on just negatives. So NDP did nothing good?

    All parties have not done good enough for its people but yet we praise one more than the other but the people suffering. Businesses suffering. So what we do we really vote on? Popularity?
  • jack (18/02/2023, 02:46) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    NO to NDP! NO to PVIM WE will not forget the dark days of 2011-2019 Down with both of them!!! The VIP is still the best hope for the BVI
  • my2cents (18/02/2023, 10:25) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Walwyn killed the NDP now he is gone and the party can unite. What a thing. Seems to me they can't win or else this wouldn't be an option. I don' t think Penn should step aside for Skelton. Penn is elected. Skelton can't win his time is over better he be an advisor. How can he split the party, then fail with his own, and still come back as leader?
  • same old (18/02/2023, 16:37) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why is this up for discussion? In fact, why is this news? When the VIP Congress was getting together and voting and putting up their candidates, it was not news. I guess like last time this yellow site thinks it can influence people's votes. Hopefully the majority of us didn't eat our school fees, whether High School or Tertiary fees because last time we were singing the same song. Out with the old, in with the young and new. Well we been there and we've done that and thank God Alzheimers has not affected my brain. It seems to me we are in a hell of a lot of mess with COI and Premier on his way to jail. The Unity Government all of a sudden have a voice. Well they were silent for so long that most of us just hearing whistling. They were young and energetic, nothing, not a word, except for Shereen and even her spoke too little. Now the are capable to lead? Well, unfortunately I am not convinced. I think we should have some young people, yes, but they need a leader who is honest, and experienced in finance and who actually built something from scratch so we know he can to save this country. I say Ronnie Skelton is that person. We all have a right to vote for who we want to lead us, but this yellow site needs to stand down and let the process be fair and sensible. Tired of this one sided mess. What happened in the VIP Congress was their business. Good. What happens in the PVIM, PPP, NDP or whomever is their business as well. They will like others give you what they want you to put out there, not gossip and innuendoes to confuse the people.
    • @ Same old (19/02/2023, 01:03) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
      Vino you have always been the beacon of facts, truth and accurate reporting in the bvi you deserve a puzzule award

      It was you vino that brought to light thE wickedness in the police bill, LONG LIVE VINO YOU ARE THE BEST THING EVER HAPPENED TO THE BVI


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