Elections 2023

For PVIM to be a winning team, Skelton said he was told to return as leader

Published

3 years ago

March 1, 2023

Editor

Chairman of the PVIM Ronnie W. Skelton at his party's press conference.

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 has denied he is power hungry, saying that supporters have told him if he doesn’t return as leader of the PVIM, they will not support the party or have any chance of winning in the next General Elections.

Skelton, a former member of the National Democratic Party, announced that he left politics in 2019. As a result, Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull became chairman of the PVIM.

However, Skelton has returned to the party as chairman. Turnbull is now the deputy.

At a PVIM press conference recently, ZBVI Radio’s Zan Lewis grilled Skelton and asked the veteran politician if he does not have confidence in the leadership of Turnbull, especially since he said earlier in the press conference that he is giving young people a chance to grow.

Skelton responded: I have all confidence in Mr. Turnbull. All confidence. It’s a lot more complex than what you’re saying. The people have asked for me to come back and they have asked that if I am not leading, they will not follow PVIM, so because of those things, in order for us to be a winning team. I have to put my personal wishes aside and do what’s good and right for the country. I am here for my country, nothing else. I have no interest in the personal accolades.”

Lewis suggested that Skelton took away the position from Turnbull because he is power-hungry.

“That’s your opinion,” was Skelton’s response.

However, Turnbull responded and backed Skelton.

He said: “The Progress Virgin Islands Movement is a movement, is a group of persons that are interested in one thing which is to fix the country, develop its people, and raise the standard of where we are in this territory. It is true that Honourable Skelton would have left politics in 2019 and I became the chairman but what is important is that this group of persons that you see and a lot of other supporters, we sat around the room, we had discussions and we made the decision that the best person to lead the party and this movement at this time is Ronnie W. Skelton. I became deputy chairman and we have the officers here.”

Earlier in the press conference, in response to a reporter’s question, Skelton said he is supportive of youth leadership.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I always put young people… I need them to help to build the country. I am happy to be at home but the people are calling for some experience and they feel that I have that level of experience in order to assist this country out of the problems that it’s presently in. That’s why I am here, nothing else. I commend my young leader, and all of these people around me. And if you study my history, like you did your research…right? You will know that I hand over things to young people. Because that’s what I believe can help us to build the country. I don’t want to be a bible student but I will be one today. When the Lord turned to… Moses and tell him that he must get the young and the old together: the young for their strength and the old for their wisdom to show the way. That’s all that’s happening here today.”

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Elections 2023

Hon. Wheatley Introduces Elections Amendment Bill in House of Assembly

Published

21 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Editor

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.

Elections 2023

Penn Recommended for Leader of the Opposition Following NDP Convention

Published

2 days ago

April 21, 2026

Editor

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.

Elections 2023

Penn Dominates Chairman Race While Turnbull Edges Walwyn in Close Contest

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

Editor

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.