‘The rug was pulled from under us’- Hon Ronnie W. Skelton
In a joint Opposition press conference today, April 27, 2023, with leaders and elected members of the three parties, it was revealed that during negotiations and talking between the three parties, Mrs Smith made the announcement that she would join with the VIP.
Parties were negotiating when rug was pulled- Hon Skelton
“We had negotiations between the three leaders... while we were negotiating, the rug was pulled from under us, that's the reason we are not in government,” Chairman of PVIM Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) told the press today.
His indication was that the party never saw it coming that Mrs Smith would defect, given the Opposition has a majority in the House of Assembly (HoA) and was already on the path to forming the Government.
NDP chairman Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) said a time was already set for the three party leaders to meet and discuss moving forward as a government, ahead of Mrs Smith joining the VIP.
“While those discussions were being had, a decision was made, as we learned during that discussions, was made by Hon Lorna Smith to form an alliance with the Virgin Islands Party,” he added.
No discussion with Hon Smith on teaming up with VIP - Hon Penn
“I want to make it very clear to the public, that at no time was this discussed in terms of what the decision was made by her,” he said while adding that suggestions were made by Mrs Smith concerning a possible alliance with the VIP, however, it was decided that discussions would be had with the PU and PVIM.
Hon Penn added that steps are also being taken to deal with Mrs Smith’s decision in the swiftest possible way.
Meanwhile, PU Chairman Hon Julian Fraser, RA said after monitoring the count of votes and moving to his party headquarters, he already had discussions with the two leaders of the PU and PVIM on a strategy for the elections.
He added that in his discussion with the VIP, he told them that the only way he would work with the party under Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley, was is if he could be Premier.
Nevertheless, the Opposition Members have vowed to hold the government accountable in the House of Assembly.
55 Responses to “‘The rug was pulled from under us’- Hon Ronnie W. Skelton”
The REAL REPORTERS put her to SHAME.
Always has an axe to grind, personal agenda, vendetta.
When she told Hon. Skelton “Your people love me…” and that’s why she was in the room backstabbing the country with Lorna so to speak shows that she’ll latch on to anyone for personal gain.
Hail, Lorna Smith. Had she not done this, you guys would probably still be around table negotiating or may Governor would have stepped in Well done action woman, 3 cheers to you. A big hand shake and hug to you. Well done. These guys should be apologizing to the population and even kicking themselves in their butt and not blame the action woman.
Was in reached only to be snatch away by Lorna.
They say she did so unilaterally and snatch the rug from under their feet. By there appearances they looked quite injured and may need to visit the hospital.
Its a sad day for them. Could you imagine dreaming of becoming the Premier only to have that dream snatch away from you when you were so close?
I feel their pain. May they find solace in having each other and take comfort in being in the opposition. Sending you my thoughts and prayers.
Six men of egotistical mentality hungry for power and the cheese was taken from right under their noses for being so damn naive.
I said it before and I’ll say it again. Ronnie is not the man for this time nor will he be. He is not articulate with his words hence his self expression is limited in the English language. Most of you have him as some kind of guru in finance but he can’t even count. I was never impressed with the man who insults you when you get into a debate with him one on one and you out do him it gets to his nerves. Seems like an educational deficit problem to me but because many of you see big business you think he build that on his own but luckily for him it was silver spooned aka inherited. The man is just a natural dunce. Fraser is just too damn full of himself and Marlon continues to be the puppet he has always been.
All the best to you L**na I am still in your corner don’t listen to the noise. those boys left you out intentionally and never appreciated what you bought to the table. I believe as a woman of excellence this is your time to make a huge impact. After years of contributing in the background. Step out and shine. I will be praying for you, may the Lord guide and direct you, may HIS Face shine upon and give you peace and strength to take on task. May God give you wisdom like Solomon to help guide this nation. Don’t be discourage their are those that are for you and wish you continuous success.
Right now, everyone looking someone to blame except themselves.
Mrs Smith love the BVI
Ayo couldn’t join before is aftermath ayo was gonna just join to see if ayo could work together
Given that before the election neither PVIM nor NDP could agree to work together how could we expect them to work together after? If they had worked together and not duplicated candidates they probably would have picked up the 4th and 9th districts and probably one more at large.
VIP’s offer to both the NDP and the PVIM in the circumstances was more than generous for either of them to snap it up on the spot. They made their decision by default and inaction and she made hers by choice.
the same political party you good-guys spoke so unknowingly about turned around and got 6 seats again your 3: as a matter of actual fact they form the ruling administration
run quickly and chat that
ALL I GOT TO SAW IS WELL MY @$$ LOOK AR THING
I guess they expected the VIP to commit political suicide by waiting for the 7 to form the gvmt. You snooze, you lose
No? That's not it?
Ok. Carry on!
Marlon, you are out of your league. You just witnessed a demonstration of Lorna's capabilities, do you think she cares about your "steps"? VIP is now her party to tinker with, and I believe she will eventually take it over.
Well played maam.
Wish you the best.