Elections 2023
PVIM Leader Ronnie Skelton touts development plan; presents 7 candidates
Skelton during the Friday’s PVIM press conference
By MERRICK ANDREWS, Online News Editor
(JTV NEWS) — Chairman of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) Ronnie W. Skelton said the British Virgin Islands need a development plan to solve the myriad of problems now facing the territory.
Skelton made the disclosure on Friday at a press conference where he presented seven PVIM candidates — himself along with Paul Hewlett, Stacy Mather, Shaina Smith, Sylvia Moses, Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull, and Shereen Flax-Charles — who will contest the 2023 General Elections.
The former National Democratic Party member told reporters: “We need a national development plan and the people of this territory need to hold the government to account for the activities in this plan. From this national development plan, we need to develop strategies for the development of our education system, the development of our healthcare system, the infrastructure, roads, bridges, and ports and we need a plan to fix the social needs of our country.”
‘SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST’
According to its official Facebook page, the PVIM was founded in 2018 and is not a political party but a movement, however, it is now obvious that this movement has evolved into a political party.
Its 2023 election campaign slogan is “Integrity Matters”. And as its founder, Skelton said he has the integrity and experience required to lead the party and resolve the territory’s problems.
At the beginning of his prepared statement, Skelton revealed some family, business, and political history that he believes make him suitable for this leadership.
“I serve as the CEO and director of Skelton Group of Companies in Fish Bay, Tortola,” he said, adding that he is the eighth of his mother’s 14 children.
“After my father died suddenly in 1983 I was one of the three in the family chosen to be the administrator of his estate. My brothers and sisters know that when there is a cake to be shared, they will get equal slices so they trust me to look after their affairs,” he continued.
Skelton is a veteran politician. He mentioned that he served the territory as Minister for Health and Social Development, Minister for Finance, Deputy Chief Minister, and a short stint as Leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition.
He told reporters that he is not a selfish person and he always put people and the country first.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am someone you can trust and one who puts the love of his country and the development of his people first and I have never been one to make things about myself. This is the only reason why I have decided to come and join forces with this group of bright and promising individuals to contest the next general election. I plan to lend my experience, my wisdom and my guidance to do the things that are right to rebuild the reputation of our beloved British Virgin Islands and so that we all can be proud once again at home and abroad,” he explained.
He added: “I am not one who runs away from problems but we have to admit after the April 28-29 news, we all were speechless and we hang our heads. Our country’s problems continue to unfold before our very eyes. We do have our share of problems but they are not problems that we cannot fix. In order to fix these problems we need to have a plan and we must stick to our plan.”
STRENGTH IN DIFFICULT TIMES
Skelton said Virgin Islanders must see the positive in every difficult situation.
“Sometimes as a people we seem to just focus on what is wrong and don’t appreciate all the things that are right,” he said.
The PVIM leader implored the peope of the Virgin Islands to be strong in these trying times.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I grew up here in these Virgin Islands when every child did not have access to a high school education and today our children have access to tertiary education right here in this territory. I grew up in these Virgin Islands when the supply of electricity was limited from the Government House, Governor’s House to the Methodist burial ground just on Main Street. I grew up in these Virgin Islands when there were limited to no paved roads. I mention these to say that hard times create strong people and strong people create easy times and easy times create free people. We are facing some difficult times now so we have to be strong again,” he explained.
UNITY AND PARTNERSHIPS
As the Commission of Inquiry Report hangs over the territory like a dark cloud, Skelton said he plans to solve some of the territory’s problems through unity with local and international partners.
“When elected, we will work with the UK and with our regional and international partners to rebuild our Virgin Islands. I have looked at the issues facing our territory that need to be addressed and we can do this. My deputy and I have had many conversations with persons from all around the territory including the leaders of the other two parties and independent candidates. I will continue to talk to these individuals once it is in the best interest of our Virgin Islands,” he said.
THE CANDIDATES
PVIM candidates, front from left: Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull, Ronnie Skelton, and Shereen Flax-Charles; standing from left: Paul Hewlett, Stacy Mather, Shaina Smith, and Sylvia Moses.
Skelton then spoke about the seven candidates who will represent the PVIM at the polls.
“These seven individuals here, including myself, this morning, have committed themselves to work together in the best interest of these Virgin Islands. They all have proven track records,” he said about his team.
He plans to update the public on March 4 about additional members.
“My friends, we will work together to bring hope, accountability, transparency, integrity, inspiration and empowerment back to our country and our people. That’s why we are here ladies and gentlemen. That’s why we are. And that is why I am here.
“We must feel proud again to be from these Virgin Islands. We must feel proud again to be from these beautiful British Virgin Islands. Ladies and gentlemen, we will continue to press on to expand our district members and we will continue to bring people before you that are trustworthy, that are transparent, that are accountable to you the people of these Virgin Islands. I thank you and may Jehovah continue to bless and have mercy on these beautiful Virgin Islands, thank you,” he concluded in his statement.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
The National Democratic Party (NDP) has recommended Hon. Marlon A. Penn for appointment as Leader of the Opposition following his election as Political Leader of the party, according to a statement issued on April 21.
The recommendation was made by the four elected Opposition members of the House of Assembly after consultation, in accordance with Section 70 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.
The party said the recommendation has been formally submitted to His Excellency the Governor, Daniel Pruce, for consideration and appointment.
Penn was elected Political Leader of the NDP during the party’s National Convention held on April 18, 2026.
Under the Constitution, the Governor appoints the Leader of the Opposition from among members of the House of Assembly who command the support of the majority of Opposition members.
In its statement, the NDP said the recommendation reflects the confidence of Opposition members and the party in Penn’s leadership and experience.
“The appointment reflects the confidence of the Opposition Members and the National Democratic Party in the leadership, experience, and commitment of Honourable Penn to effectively represent the interests of the people of the Virgin Islands,” the statement said.
The party said further updates will be provided following formal confirmation of the appointment.
The National Democratic Party (NDP) elected a new leadership team during its National Convention on April 18, at Maria’s by the Sea, with Marlon A. Penn, Melvin Mitch Turnbull, Paul A. Hewlett and Andrea Walters among those selected to key positions following a series of contested and uncontested races among 121 delegates.
Penn was elected Chairman after securing 65 votes in a contested race against Mark H. Vanterpool, who received 39 votes, and Ronnie W. Skelton, who received 17 votes, according to official results released by the party.
Turnbull was elected Deputy Chairman with 64 votes, defeating Myron V. Walwyn, who received 57 votes in another closely watched contest.
Hewlett was confirmed as President after running unopposed, while Walters was elected Vice President, defeating Troy Christopher.
Delegates also elected Messena Vanterpool-Pompey as Secretary, Sharnette Chalwell as Assistant Secretary, Eldon Solomon as Treasurer, Cathy-Ann Bascombe as Assistant Treasurer, Dorilyn Edwards as Chaplain, Aaliyah Inniss as Chairperson of the Youth Movement and Lisa Smith as Chairperson of the Women’s Movement.
The convention, which brought together delegates from across the territory, marked a key step for the party as it finalizes its leadership structure ahead of the next general election.
In remarks following his election, Penn said the outcome signaled a new phase for the organization.
“I am profoundly grateful and honoured for the support and confidence vested in me to lead the party into the next general elections,” Penn said. “I honestly believe that today marks a renewed chapter for the National Democratic Party. We are united, focused, and ready to restore confidence in leadership while delivering meaningful results for the people of these Virgin Islands.”
Turnbull, speaking after his election, said the leadership team would prioritize unity and practical solutions.
“Our focus is on unity, rebuilding trust, and advancing practical solutions that improve the lives of the people of these Virgin Islands,” Turnbull said.
The NDP, one of the Virgin Islands’ principal political parties, holds internal conventions to elect officers and set direction as it prepares for national campaigns.
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