Delegates will vote for veteran and party co-founder Hon Skelton—current Health and Social Development Minister—for NDP President or for second term Legislator Hon Walwyn, the Minister for Education and Culture. Photo: VINO/File

The NDP second highest office—Vice President—is also up for grabs and is being fiercely contested between Hons Marlon A. Penn (R8) and Melvin M. Turnbull (R2). Photo: VINO/File

NDP outgoing President and Vice President, Dr the D. Orlando Smith and Dr the Honourable, Kedrick D. Pickering. Photo: VINO/File

The NDP, since its formation on January 24, 1998—some 20 years ago—has been presided over, by Dr the Honourable, D. Orlando Smith (AL), as President. 

Showdown

Tonight’s Convention sees NDP co-founder, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) contesting for that post of Party President, to replace Dr Smith who is stepping down.

He is being challenged however, by political newcomer and second term legislator, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL).

Many Delegates believe Hon Walwyn, to be the front runner even as Virgin Islands News Online is in receipt of unconfirmed reports, of one candidate promising “contracts once elected” and “money passing hands for votes.”

The NDP second highest office—Vice President—is also up for grabs and is being fiercely contested between Hons Marlon A. Penn (R8) and Melvin M. Turnbull (R2).

Delegates believe Hon Turnbull is the front runner for the position of Vice President of the Party—a position currently held by Dr the Honourable, Kedrick D. Pickering (R7).

Hon Pickering was elected NDP Vice President following the death of the late Paul P. Wattley (AL), who died in 2005.

NDP election history

The NDP first contested the Virgin Islands’ General Elections, in 1999 and secured five seats in the then Legislative Counsel, making up the Territory’s then political opposition.

In 2003, the NDP won government taking eight seats in the Legislative Council, defeating the Virgin Islands Party (VIP). Dr Smith was the Chief Minister.

In 2007, the VIP cleaned House with the NDP losing ground and coming out with only two of the 13 seats in the VI House of Assembly.

Some say, had there been a recount, Dr Smith himself would have been defeated.

The party rebounded in 2011 however and captured nine seats and then in the 2015 snap elections, the NDP won again taking 11 seats.

 Dr Smith has led the party into 5 consecutive elections 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015. 

No Phones

That however, changes this evening at the Treasure Isle Hotel, conference room in Road Town, the Capital City, when Delegates will vote for veteran and party co-founder Hon Skelton—current Health and Social Development Minister—for NDP President or for second term Legislator Hon Walwyn, the Minister for Education and Culture.

Political pundits and other interests in the VI, the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), the Governor’s Office, the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Virgin Islanders and on mainland USA, will be glued to Virgin Islands News Online for the results.

One senior NDP source has told our newsroom, “they are saying at the last minute, no phones are allowed inside the room.”

Whatever the outcome, Virgin Islands News Online will be the first, to break the story