Elections 2023
VIP District 8 Candidate Allen Wheatley Will Focus On Residents’ Pressing Problems Over The Next Three Weeks
Many residents in East End, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, yesterday morning heard the moving sounds of a trumpet.
As they drove along the Parham Town, they were pleasantly surprised that the lone musician was Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Eighth Electoral District Candidate Allen Wheatley.
When asked by jahphixtelevision.com for the reason behind the roadside music, Wheatley explained that he was “saluting my cousin and constituent who was in the hearse getting his final drive in the Village. I was playing taps.”
On the election front, the VIP politician added that campaigning is “a challenge but (I’m) making progress.”
Wheatley, a former financial secretary in the BVI, plans to spend the last three weeks before election day on April 24 “campaigning in the district. Resolving constituents problems, especially with government in areas such as trade licenses, work permits, immigration time, tax matters, custom duties, crown leases, construction contracts, etc”
He added that he will also be focusing on assisting with the senior citizen programme and “addressing district problems such as sewerage and getting more attention to the two local schools.”
His company Phoenix Consulting will be adopting the Willard Wheatley Primary School this month, Wheatley revealed.
He is up against National Democratic Party (NDP) incumbent Marlon Penn, a member of the house of assembly since 2011.
Penn is the chairman of the NDP and was the Minister for Health and Social Development in the 2022-2023 Unity Government.
A total of 42 candidates have so far registered with the Office of the Supervisor of Elections – 13 from VIP, nine from NDP and another nine from the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM).
The 11 other candidates are independents or represent smaller parties.
The Virgin Islands Party (VIP) is fielding a full roster of 13 candidates – four territorial at-large and nine district candidates.
VIP other district candidates are Dr Karl Dawson (First District), Marieta Flax-Headley (Second District), Kevin Smith (Third District), Luce Hodge-Smith (Fourth District), Deputy Premier Kye Rymer (Fifth District), Alvera Maduro-Caines (Sixth District), Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley ( Seventh District), and Vincent Wheatley (Ninth District.)
While the party’s territorial at-large candidates are Neville Smith, Carvin Malone, Sharie De Castro, Zoe J. Walcott.
Nomination Day is April 13.
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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