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UPDATE: Opposition Leader Hon Ronnie W. Skelton sworn in

Opposition Leader and Chairman of Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), right, was sworn in by Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, left, today, April 27, 2023. Photo: GIS.
Members and former candidates of Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) in support of Hon Ronnie W. Skelton at his swearing in as Leader of the Opposition at Government House on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Photo: GIS
Members and former candidates of Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) in support of Hon Ronnie W. Skelton at his swearing in as Leader of the Opposition at Government House on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Photo: GIS
Sources in the breakaway group Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) have told our news centre that its Chairman Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) is expected to be sworn-in as the Leader of the Opposition in the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA). Photo: VINO/File
Sources in the breakaway group Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) have told our news centre that its Chairman Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) is expected to be sworn-in as the Leader of the Opposition in the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA). Photo: VINO/File
The new Virgin Islands Government, with Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) as Premier and Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE as Deputy Premier and a Ministerial portfolio, was sworn in Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Government House. Photo: GIS
The new Virgin Islands Government, with Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) as Premier and Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE as Deputy Premier and a Ministerial portfolio, was sworn in Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Government House. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Opposition Leader and Chairman of Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) has been sworn in.

The swearing-in took place at Government House today, April 27, 2023.

Our news centre was the first to report Honourable Skelton would be the Leader of His Majesty's Loyal Opposition.

Hon Skelton was sworn in by His Excellency Governor John J. Rankin CMG in accordance with Section 70(2)(a) of the VI Constitution Order, 2007.

PVIM holds the majority seats, 3, which allowed Hon Skelton to become the Opposition Leader.

His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition

Following General Elections held in the Territory on Monday, April 24, 2023, the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) won 6 seats, while the others were shared with PVIM, National Democratic Party (NDP, which had three seats and Progressives United (PU), which had one seat.

After the opposition parties failed to come up with a government, and with the clock ticking, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE aligned herself with the VIP to form the government.

She has since been sworn in as Deputy Premier with a ministerial portfolio under the Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley-led Government.

The other Opposition Members are Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) and Hon Stacy Mather (AL) of PVIM, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) and Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6) of the NDP and Hon Julian Fraser RA of PU.

See previous article published April 26, 2023

PVIM boss Ronnie W. Skelton to be Opposition Leader

Sources in the breakaway group Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) have told our news centre that its Chairman Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) is expected to be sworn-in as the Leader of the Opposition in the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA).

Hon Skelton’s PVIM has a majority in the 6-Member Opposition, holding 3 seats, while the National Democratic Party (NDP) has 2 seats and Progressives United 1.

It is unclear when the swearing-in of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition will take place.

Skelton in Opposition after negotiations for coalition gov’t failed!

The General Election of April 24, 2023, resulted in a stalemate, after no party was able to get the required majority of 7 seats to form the government.

The Virgin Islands Party (VIP) won the most seats, 6, and it was expected that the other parties would form a coalition to oust the VIP from office.

Our news centre was informed that the parties; however, could not come to an agreement as to who would lead the coalition government and even who would sit as ministers.

Lorna moves to VIP’s corner!

In a move that caught many off guard; however, former First Lady and Member of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Honourable Lorna G. Smith OBE made the decision to align herself with the VIP to form the next government.

The new Government, with Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) as Premier and Hon Smith as Deputy Premier and a Minister portfolio, was sworn in Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Government House.

60 Responses to “UPDATE: Opposition Leader Hon Ronnie W. Skelton sworn in”

  • WOW (26/04/2023, 17:54) Like (30) Dislike (91) Reply
    KYE WAS DEMOTED
    • @wow (26/04/2023, 18:06) Like (139) Dislike (20) Reply
      Kye was asked , He said "No problem" , Humble people in VIP!
      Country over Self.
      • Sara (26/04/2023, 19:28) Like (63) Dislike (26) Reply
        His demeanor in this pictures doesn’t say humble thou.
        • Time and twine (27/04/2023, 22:44) Like (12) Dislike (16) Reply
          I am just shocked at how so many people on here defending deception and lies of that woman. She lied to and deceived the people who voted for her. She used the NDP voters to get elected. Then she stabbed them in the back for self gain. There is no excuse for that. None.

          There is nothing pleasant about that woman, The VIP better prepare themselves for the HELL she is about to unleash.
          • @Time and twine (28/04/2023, 09:55) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
            BVI has a constitutional democracy: that means you are voting for the candidate, not their party. A candidate may change their party. You might not appreciate Lorna's strategy here, but if you voted for Lorna, you got Lorna, so you cannot actually complain.
        • Dee (28/04/2023, 06:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          Wanna be premiers made a mistake ????
      • @ wow (27/04/2023, 06:50) Like (19) Dislike (37) Reply
        Ever heard of saying one thing and meaning another?

        VIP was desperate had took their 3rd option to form a Government.

    • @wow (26/04/2023, 18:07) Like (48) Dislike (17) Reply
      Seems like you are still suffering from that fall at birth.
    • Blind Man (26/04/2023, 18:16) Like (49) Dislike (15) Reply
      @Wow to you it might look that way but to sound minds and intelligent people it's like a game of chess, you have to be a player to know the game and Kyle is a stateman .
    • @wow (26/04/2023, 18:25) Like (62) Dislike (8) Reply
      Shows coy as you call he with no respect. he is a man for the country. Is he is in a better position to be part of the government than to be on the opposition side. Mr Rymer knows District #5 have not problems with his demotion as you call it. He have a ministry still to run so no need for he to worry. Want all get none. Remember that.
    • SIDS (26/04/2023, 18:29) Like (68) Dislike (4) Reply
      SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO GIVE UP SOMETHING FOR PEACE AND KNOWING HIM HE WOULD DO JUST THAT.
      • home boy (26/04/2023, 18:51) Like (47) Dislike (4) Reply
        Hon Koy Rhymer did the correct thing to form a VIP Government to continue the work he did not finish. I commend you my brother, country above self.
    • Talk da (26/04/2023, 18:34) Like (52) Dislike (7) Reply
      That's what people who care about the country do.... sacrifice...not fight.
      Tell dat to the opposition
      Premier of the opposition.
    • Aunty Susan (26/04/2023, 22:21) Like (24) Dislike (16) Reply
      Ronnie go sit in your garden. Grow your tomatoes.

      You let the Vipers back in

      Please retire.
    • Outsider (27/04/2023, 08:30) Like (5) Dislike (17) Reply

      @ wow, he don't have the intelect for ANY ministry. Check his functions on various jobs, conservation and fisheries, PWD, DMV , minister of roads...sh** show in trafic turn around BD!!

    • @wow (27/04/2023, 18:34) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      Min. Kye is in power he was not demoted. If they had allowed themselves to be the backbenchers then he would have been demoted. Min. Kye will be a minister those in the backbench will not.
    • Hahaaa (27/04/2023, 20:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      FACTS 100%!!
    • School children are saying that … (27/04/2023, 21:04) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
      … the VIP is desperate to persuade somebody else to join them so that they can dump Lorna as Deputy Premier and leave her with no party.
    • Yow (28/04/2023, 10:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Hon khoy is a team player, not position seeker, unlike those bullys on the opposition
  • 2023 (26/04/2023, 17:57) Like (42) Dislike (6) Reply
    Poor marlon
    Ndp ship sink: next time try get 7 seats: all the talk and nothing to show for it

    old folk said, talk is cheap
    • @2023 (26/04/2023, 18:59) Like (54) Dislike (11) Reply
      Marlon & Ronnie fooled the voters in to believing they could work together after the 2023 elections knowing full well it would never happen. During the 2023 campaign it was in the news the two parties met to settle their differences, but the conclusion of the meeting was they will remain in their separate ways and support each other during the campaign and will unite to form a coalition government if necessary. Simply put, we can never work together at any time. All those now in the Opposition except Hon. Mather, are nothing but a huge disappointment and a mistake. They will never get my vote again.
      • WOW (27/04/2023, 07:40) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
        I keep ndp and prim will never get the government form I bet with family and friends and win my money if did that any know I am head in my bills thanks to them greedy 1 & 2 and nothing talk about the 3 district he need to go home I the ppl see what greedy look like . God was in control
  • Josiahsbay (26/04/2023, 18:04) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    Pressure from a lack of foresight leads to reactive decision-making!
  • Lorna did good! (26/04/2023, 18:07) Like (45) Dislike (14) Reply
    She has me now reassured that country first! Well done.

  • ARF (26/04/2023, 18:08) Like (36) Dislike (32) Reply
    It's sad to see Ronnie put in all that hard work to be on Opposition.
  • Yes (26/04/2023, 18:11) Like (10) Dislike (8) Reply
    At lesst he did better than both patties so than the ndp1 and ndp 2 so the goverment could be form with out the govenor chosing a leader
    At least he still a minister
  • jah know (26/04/2023, 18:16) Like (44) Dislike (2) Reply
    Kye know why he did what he did but the vip still in power so he did it for a good
  • Hmmmm (26/04/2023, 18:20) Like (41) Dislike (7) Reply
    If ego, selfishness, pride & greed wasn't he and the others now in the Opposition downfall then he would be Premier today rather than Leader of the Opposition where they also argued over who will be Leader of the Opposition for hours also. They are the real mistake this election.
  • News (26/04/2023, 18:20) Like (27) Dislike (3) Reply
    Lorna was EXTRADITED TO THE V I P by Mark and Heskith.
    A well orchestrated move..
    That Family jumps well.
    They have the Olympics' rrcord, and now they are in the Guiness world records..
    Everybody should know ,"you buy what you wear/wear what you buy".

  • NDP Supporter speaks out (26/04/2023, 18:24) Like (41) Dislike (9) Reply
    Anothet waste of time fake lader. In other matters, I am an NDP Supporter, but it is time to get real. Lorna is not NDP's problem. The ones the main artery of the party loves, is the problem which is Marlon. Let's examine Marlon (The only Accidental Leader). He is the one & only accidental leader but the party letting this slide to the death of the party. He pronounced himself leader after the 2019 elections when he was one of two NDP members who won with Alvera being the next. Here lies the problem. He held no meaningful meetings in 4yrs to allow party members to select the new leader or ratify him/her in an open and transparent manner. He avoided such party meetings. Then Alvera crossed the HOA floor under his leadership & joined the VIP Government as a result of his poor leadership. Just like now with Lorna, some of my fellow NDPers blamed Alvera and turned against her with a passion. Again, Marlon was allowed to tell his usual non-factual but emotional stories to make him look & sound good which caused the NDP Party supporters like myself at the time, to once again bury the symptom of the problem (In this case Alvera) & not he (Marlon) who is the problem. The 2023 General Elections didn't come as a surprise as it was known by ALL to happen in 4yrs after 2019. Here lies the other issue. He then jammed the party last minute, with his stories again, so we were forced to leave him as leader to go through the 2023 elections. He failed in four years to grow the NDP and worse, yet he failed to get 13 candidates. Simply put, NO ONE WANTED TO FOLLOW HIM. None of us stop to ask WHY? It is because he is a poor leader who masters how to keep power through divisiveness. This is disgraceful & unacceptable. He only managed to start the campaign with 7 NDP candidates. Two founding members had already launched as independent At-Large candidates long ago. How come they knew elections was coming & not Marlon? He managed to get others in the Party to help convince those two (Kedrick & the same Lorna Ayo my fellow NDPers now want to kill) to change from being independent candidates & run with NDP. Hesitantly they did so because they felt he was not a leader. They were correct because if they could have started campaigning on their own means he could have started campaigning from a long time ago because the election was not scheduled like you would schedule a surprise birthday party. IT WAS KNOWN TO BE COMING! Let us not forget he said he joined Natalio to save the country because the UK did not want the VIP Government. Well, we all now know that was also not true (Another one of his non-factual stories) as Tuesday 25th April, 2023, the same UK Governor sworn in a 6 member VIP Government with a one alliance in the person of Lorna who is an NDP who like Alvera crossed the floor as a result of his poor leadership. Man strupeeesss, the list of Marlon mistakes is too long so I will stop here for now and if things continue with NDP under Marlon, then so will the NDP.
    • @NDP Supporter speaks out (26/04/2023, 18:48) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
      AMEN
    • @NDP Supporter (26/04/2023, 19:57) Like (19) Dislike (4) Reply
      I totally agree with what you said. NDP was not organized. Marlon was inept as a leader. You had 4 yrs to get your act together. Yet you come out late and with people who we never heard of. They didn't have enough time to campaign. I don't know who his campaign managers were or advisors but he clearly needed help. My advice to them is to start from now if you are serious about staying relevant. As you can see from the results we still support the NDP as a viable option.
  • Bam Bam (26/04/2023, 19:54) Like (49) Dislike (38) Reply
    I so happy vip has the government
    • VIP STRONG (26/04/2023, 20:52) Like (50) Dislike (15) Reply
      @Bam Bam
      Girl/Boy, I don’t think u’re happier than me than VIP has the Government.
      Let Greedy, Selfish, Power Hungry Ronnie, Marlon, Mitch, Myron and the So Call Trump Card Fraser stay on the Opposition where they CANNOT get nothing done. They already started fighting among each other.
      They have Book Sense but NO Common Sense. It’s all about Power for them and not betterment of the Country.
      Lorna is a true Soldier, Big Up to her.
  • resident (26/04/2023, 21:08) Like (24) Dislike (36) Reply
    The people got the government they deserve. VIP took this country down a rabbit hole. Yet people put them back in. They did nothing in many districts and back in. The government is a true reflection of the people. Fraser represents the mind set of many citizens. He should have never been re-elected but the people are a reflection of their leaders. Lorna just did what her brother was famous for, crossing over. Big time grasshoppers. I hope things are better this year.
    • True (27/04/2023, 20:15) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Wish I could like your comment a million times. The head is the reflection of the people in the BVI. But at the end of the day it's their constitutional right to vote for their preference
  • Hotmess (26/04/2023, 22:35) Like (16) Dislike (11) Reply
    Power hungry. You mash up NDP. I'm so happy your team didn't win
  • one eye (27/04/2023, 00:01) Like (19) Dislike (5) Reply
    The vip rules mehson
  • Dancing with the Stars (27/04/2023, 02:32) Like (18) Dislike (6) Reply
    I have considered Hon, Marlon Penn as a bemused person who seems to lack self-confidence. He seems to stutter in speech whenever he is in a difficult situation. To compare him with Hon. Dr Natalio Wheatley, one can see clearly that he has some deficiencies in him. It is time for the N.D.P to have an internal election and replace the leader of the party.
  • The Power of Xpats (27/04/2023, 05:14) Like (29) Dislike (13) Reply
    These politicians not learning how influential xpats are in deciding the elections...Lorna was pushing the work permit issues and how slow unfair and bias it is..Those are messages that make xpats and xpat voters feel like somebody truly got their backs along with the fact that they were saying she ain born here she born in Anguilla, I am an xpat voter and a remember a group of xpat voters tell me make sure you vote for Lorna, they say she ain from here we going to show them our strength, Same with Mather, them saying he aint born here, same with Myron, it seems like this dont born here Issue motivate and encourage xpat voters to support those candidates...So for future politicians pay attention to the issues affecting xpats.. You all remember when NDP won their first election that was the same issue they were saying Mark, Archie and Myron ain born here, true or not. NDP won easily, that don't born here Issue motivates xpat voters to support those candidates and its a lot of us, a matter a fact about 45% of all voters are xpats or have some xpat connections..Pay attention..
  • HMMM (27/04/2023, 06:19) Like (27) Dislike (10) Reply
    How Mr. Mitch feel now? Hon. Kye give up a position to help his party and country and those in the opposition couldn't decided whose position (even though they didn't get position s as yet) to give up. Mr. Skenton was not even in cabinet last four years it was Mr. Mitch who had to represent PVIM now he appear and get opposition leader role. This should have gone to Mr. Mitch.
  • resident (27/04/2023, 10:39) Like (29) Dislike (4) Reply
    ronnie boy its time to retire you got outsmarted again
  • Man weakness (27/04/2023, 12:20) Like (21) Dislike (5) Reply
    The power of a woman. LORNA IS more sensible than them she deserves more able better strength than you and Marlon behind her. Natalio is the man. We marching forward.
  • 2nd district (27/04/2023, 18:35) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    The rude, arrogant, and power-hungry Mitch caused confusion once again and still have challenges with the truth. Expect more confusion in the Opposition because wherever he is there will confusion and division be also.
  • the word (27/04/2023, 19:15) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Nothing happens by mistake. This is the Lord's perfect plan for the BVI. NOW we have a responsibility and obligation to pray for all our leaders and thus the BVI will prosper
  • Order Don (27/04/2023, 19:21) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    That’s the way it should be 3 members can’t form the government, or a one man party . VIP was clearly the majority, Well done Honorable Lorna you make the right move . The others have the same opportunity.
  • PVIM (27/04/2023, 19:46) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Pvim is foolish along with the ndp
  • Final Analysis (27/04/2023, 20:07) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Was the PVIM and the NDP campaigning as different parties but behind the scene they were a tag-team? Probably they would have won this election hands down had they joined forces and campaigned openly against the VIP.
  • priest (27/04/2023, 20:31) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Skellie boy you almost became Premier. The good thing is you got first runner up ( Opposition Leader)
  • straight up (28/04/2023, 01:15) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    NDP supporters acting as though only they vote for Lorna. Peep this. Seeing the districts VIP if their supporters voted straight vip then their at large would have came home. Obviously Lorna and the other at large also got VIP votes. She also got votes from voters not interested in any of the parties. If you NDP and PVIM was so well loved why didn't the other 50% of voters that stayed home, come out and vote for you and why didn't you win more seats? People were fed up of both parties so come again. Everyone like Lorna campaign it was exciting and she didn't smear. She may have been wrong for not consulting her team before the move but she would probably be there with them all now trying figure out how to form the government. If Fraser and Ronnie both demanding the same position how would it form. Mr. Mitch not going say he was part of the problem asking for deputy. Your party getting both premier and deputy and you think that's fair. Those men balls were to heavy, Lorna didn't have that problem. Check!
  • Expat (28/04/2023, 01:35) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Team green
  • Our now bitter Opposition (28/04/2023, 07:42) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Pure mischief is what we will see from these guys out of bitterness that they did not, could not, & would not form the government out of greed, ego, personal agendas, and selfishness but will make their now wicked intentions look like good governance. Destroy at all costs is now their aim because if they cannot have it then no one else should have it. What a pity. What a shame. What a disgrace.
  • Revenge (28/04/2023, 08:35) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Opposition is now filled with men who are professionals at getting revenge.
  • Big Deal (28/04/2023, 09:40) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The only one in the opposition that I am rooting for is the dude from YEP. The rest of them could throw fist fight against each other all day long.


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