Premier and President of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) is to announce early next week if he intends to contest the post he holds as President of his party. Photo: VINO/File

Thus far, two of Premier Smith’s own Cabinet colleagues Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) and Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL) will challenge their Leader for his post in a June 23, 2018, NDP internal election. Photo: VINO/File

Senior sources close to Dr Smith told our newsroom this evening June 15, 2018, that the Premier has made a decision but declined to advise our newsroom of the decision.

Thus far, two of Premier Smith’s own Cabinet colleagues Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) and Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL) will challenge their Leader for his post in a June 23, 2018, NDP internal election.

Political history

Dr Smith longtime business partner and Deputy Premier, Dr the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), who is the Minister for Natural Resource and Labour has dropped out of the internal race and is believed to be supporting Hon Skelton.

It is the first time in the Virgin Islands (VI) political history that a sitting Leader who has been the current Chief Minister or Premier of a party in power has been challenged by his own Members before an election.

Premier Smith could make his announcement as early as Monday, June 18, 2018, according to sources familiar with his decision.

There is an aggressive campaign ongoing by supporters of Minister Walwyn who was born in the VI. However, none of his parents were born in the Territory and Hon Skelton who is an indigenous Virgin Islander and can trace some four generations to the soil.

Walwyn front-runner despite being under investigation

Political pundits have advised that Mr Walwyn who is under audit investigation for a small wall erected around the Elmore Stoutt High School costing some $1.6M is the front-runner and could be at the helm to take the NDP into the next general elections constitutional due by June 2019.

Many residents, social commentators and talk show hosts, along with civil society and a former Governor John S. Duncan OBE have accused the ruling administration of alleged corruption, mismanagement of funds and lack of transparency.