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Zero merger! NDP & PVIM go separate ways!
In fact, Chairman of PVIM Ronnie W. Skelton told reporters today, Friday, February 24, 2023, while at a press conference at Fish Bay on the main island of Tortola to announce a breakaway candidate, that the “merge will not happen.”
He also said if there are others who share PVIM’s values and wish to join the party they are welcome. Mr Skelton also announced that he will be running At-Large and that the people called him to run.
It is our newsroom’s understanding that the NDP is struggling to secure candidates to run and some who had earlier pledged to run with the group have since changed their minds and are now with the PVIM or have backed out.
Is Hon Penn NDP Chairman?
Hon Penn announced over the New Year holidays that he was the Chairman of the NDP; however, there was no internal vote. The serving Minister for Health with the Unity Government, Hon Penn, was the Deputy Chair under former Chairman Myron V. Walwyn.
Our news centre was the first to accurately report on January 18, 2023, that there were discussions to attempt to merge the two groups- NDP and PVIM.
It is believed that Mr Penn and his NDP have about 7 to 8 candidates so far.
What is clear is that the same four political parties that contested the 2019 general elections will be back, including the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) headed by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and the Progressives United, an upstart party formed in 2018 and headed by Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser (R3).
NDP 1 & NDP 2
The PVIM is a breakaway wing from the NDP, after Mr Skelton was fired by former NDP Chairman and Premier Dr D. Orlando Smith in 2018.
Mr Skelton had contested the Chairmanship of the NDP on the retirement of Dr Smith but was beaten by Mr Walwyn. He then formed his own political party, PVIM, as many former NDP voters, supporters and members said they could not support Walwyn.
However, both Walwyn as Chairman of the NDP and Skelton as Chairman of the PVIM lost in the 2019 elections, while vying for At Large seats.
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27 Responses to “Zero merger! NDP & PVIM go separate ways!”
By Tafari Zharr
Who knew that there’d be this excitement and response to Lorna Smith’s “getting into her marks, get set” in the political race?
The “Lorn Star” Candidate has amassed a following bringing together natives, belongers, Br citizens, and UK citizens, and others perhaps unwittingly unleashing the “Lorn Stars” - a fan Phenom in the making.
So, for the “Lorn Stars“ Lorna is a necessary good. “Lorna just needs to get in the race and DUCK identity politics ; she has to r - u- n like she’s never ran before! Neither catwalk nor cake walk - I think she knows it’s going to be a battle for the deserving person.
Lorna’s platform could be reformation towards betterment for all regardless of ethnic, cultural, religious, gender, or other group with relief/ plan of actions as well with focus for integration of for inclusion, equality, and justice, fair work practices, sexual harassment, sexual harassment.
On the other hand BVI “Dreamers” are curious- and I’m being told that Lorna Smith (who is coming out of semiretirement) has to be solutions oriented critical and approachable (albeit she’s a normally visible and well known person).
Besides refreshing- It could be game changing for many who tuned out or otherwise felt left out of the local VI political process. For some Virgin Islanders her cumulative resume may very well deliver something different, given her reach, superb, local and global connections, and diplomatic capabilities.
There’s strong emotion for the candidate’s bravery with mixed feelings with reference of ageism or gender. Yet the reason for her to leave her mark and run is a good-one for those campaigning. As a well intentioned newcomer she’ll Shake things up!
Remarkably inspiring, one hopes she find her political starting lane promptly around emotions and noises from the “divisionists and the divisionistas” and that she doesn’t have any false starts or missteps trying to prove something or someone she isn’t.
What’s relevant is: if she’s as committed to her purpose as she has been before as a civil servant, and as a civic minded individual all eyes are on her. With Lorna’s ears on the gun it’s her race to win or lose. Imagine her appealing to her constituents and the people showing out. Who will be bothered by her authenticity? Outstanding, Outspoken and Outcomes driven!
Lorna is the embodiment of a woman cultivated by us for us and by VI standards for the world to respect and appreciate. She’s no slouch! Others are admittedly claiming Lorna is already an icon- influencer in fashion, affinity of famous families; but a female on the frontier of change in VI politics sets a political precedent that would be uniquely hers! Clearly she’s Justified in her decision to fight for her territory. No Rusty Running! Just Optimistic Go Girl!
RUN LORNA RUN.
The Lorn Star Candidate.Copyright (c) 2023. Tafari Zharr
1) PVIM said they are not running with Myron because he is under investigation and going to jail.
2) PVIM said they are not running with Lorna so that is a non-starter as she may be under investigation for the plane and missing eight million dollars.
3) Marlon and Mitch wanted Deputy, but it only has one to share but neither PVIM nor NDP wanted them to be Head or Deputy if the merger took place.
4) NDP said they are not running with Shereen whether At-Large or 9th District but PVIM said she must be rewarded for her years of working with them from the inside.
5) The greedy rich campaign supporters of both PVIM and NDP do not like each other,
When the news was broke he was trying save face rather than being upright with the people, not our kind of leader!
Not being willing to tell the people what’s going on until after the fact, not the leader we need in 2023!
Are you seriously running with Hewlett on your slate? Talk about empty and unstable kerosene can. Look jokes!
And you picked up the VG pitbull who does not know when to stop growling? She will bite you in the ass.
And Sleeping Sylvia? Nice person but she is not built for this.
Please come better with the rest of your slate. Ah beggin becauzin you are my best hope to move this country in the right direction.