On Saturday, June 23, 2018, “let us all unite around the common priorities of putting our people first, improving confidence in government , enhancing economic growth and national security and advancing our national aspirations worldwide.” Photo: VINO/File

According to Hon Skelton, “I need your support so that together we can start writing the next exciting chapter of our Virgin Islands …Vote for me your selfless servant Ronnie W. Skelton for president of the NDP. Photo: VINO/File

In a not so subtle swipe at is main challenger Hon Walwyn—Hon Skelton in his campaign plea to NDP Delegates said, the required leadership must, “first and foremost make the interest of, and opportunities for Virgin Islanders and belongers, the highest priority.” Many have accused Hon Walwyn of a history of favoring non-nationals over Locals and Belongers in public sector jobs. Photo: VINO/File

Outgoing party president and Premier, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, has not endorsed any of the two candidates to lead the NDP in to the next general elections. Photo: VINO/File

Hon Skelton made the jarring statements in a new video clip released today June 22, 2018, on social media some 24 hours before the NDP internal convention, scheduled for 6:00PM on Saturday, at Treasure Isle Hotel Conference room. Hon Skelton, is in a fight for his political survival with Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), who many believe is the front-runner for the post to replace the veteran leader and Party President, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL).

Many political pundits claim, if Hon Skelton loses, he will, like NDP President, Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, retire from active politics. 

First and Foremost

In a not so subtle swipe at is main challenger Hon Walwyn—Hon Skelton in his campaign plea to NDP Delegates said, the required leadership must, “first and foremost make the interest of, and opportunities for Virgin Islanders and belongers, the highest priority.”

Many have accused Hon Walwyn of a history of favoring non-nationals over Locals and Belongers in public sector jobs.   He recently supported non-nationals to fill a series of high level posts under his ministry.

These include in the Prison Services and the Technical school among others. However, one delegate who supports Hon Walwyn said, Hon Skelton has done the same thing at the BVI Health Services Authority, where he hired for the second time a non-national as the Chief Executive Officer, and a non-national in house counsel.

Track Record

Appealing directly to Virgin Islanders, more specifically the NDP Delegates casting their votes, Hon Skelton, drew reference to his many years of service in the public sector at the electricity corporation, as a local businessman and as elected representative holding ministerial portfolios.

According to Hon Skelton, his service and considerable international experience coupled with his “calm, consistent, honest and courageous defense and prioritisation of my people and this territory are the core qualities to usher in the next chapter of our country’s development.”

The NDP co-founder said, “…my record of services shows that your selfless servant Ronnie W. Skelton possesses the quality of leadership required to turn the page and usher in a new chapter of growth, prosperity and security for the people of these beautiful Virgin Islands.”

Vote for Me!

Speaking to the NDP Delegates directly in his campaign bid, Hon Skelton was adamant, “our strength lies in our unity not our division.” As such, on Saturday, June 23, 2018, “let us all unite around the common priorities of putting our people first, improving confidence in government , enhancing economic growth and national security and advancing our national aspirations worldwide.”

According to Hon Skelton, “I need your support so that together we can start writing the next exciting chapter of our Virgin Islands …Vote for me your selfless servant Ronnie W. Skelton for president of the NDP." He said the natural disasters of 2017, has in fact now put the people of the VI “in a God given position, to correct the mistakes of our past…we cannot afford, to and must not squander this opportunity.”

According to Hon Skelton, however, while there has been significant progress with the post hurricane recovery efforts, including economic growth, “will have diminished meaning in the long term, without the significant social, economic and political development and growth of our people.”

He was adamant, “this new chapter in our development requires a new developmental philosophy that prioritises the success of our people, confidence in government, economic sustainability, national security and a long term vision for the continued development of our national aspirations.

The political veteran these objectives will requires a calm, courageous, experience and selfless servant leader to ensure that the next chapter in our overall development is a success for our people.”

Whatever the outcome

The political veteran was first elected to public office in 1999 to 2007, but lost the 2007 elections. He was re- elected in 2011 to current. He is also the first politician—who was not a Chief Minister or Premier—to serve as Minister of Finance [2003-2007].

Whatever, the outcome on June 23, 2018, the NDP will face the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), with Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) at the helm, a competitive opponent along with a new VIP team.

Outgoing party president and Premier Hon Smith, has not endorsed any of the two candidates to lead the NDP in to the next general elections, constitutionally due by next year, though some political pundits are predicting a likely 2018 poll.