Opposition Will Hold New Government Accountable Promises Ronnie Skelton

Opposition Leader and Chairman of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) Ronnie Skelton has promised that the opposition, which includes the National Democratic Party (NDP) and Progressives United (PU), will keep the new government accountable over the next four years.

At a joint PVIM, NDP, PU press conference held today, April 27, in Tortola, Skelton said the opposition will use their collective knowledge to serve the people of the British Virgin Islands in the Fifth House of Assembly.

He was officially sworn in this afternoon as Opposition Leader by Governor John Rankin.

“We will keep the government of the day accountable to ensure good government is carried out. We also will ensure that you are represented, your voices are heard. We’re excited to serve the people of the Virgin Islands and we will use our collective knowledge and experience to do so effectively.”

No party won enough seats to form a majority government at the end of election day on April 24.

VIP secured six seats – Karl Dawson in the First  Electoral District, Luce Hodge-Smith in the Fourth  Electoral District, Kye Rhymer in the Fifth Electoral District, Chairman Natalio Wheatley in the Seventh Electoral District and Vincent Wheatley in Ninth Electoral District.  Sharie De Castro won one of the four Territorial-At-Large.

PVIM won three seats in the House of Assembly – Mitch Turnbull returned as Second Electoral District Representative and Skelton and Stacey ‘Buddha’ Mather won two of the four Territorial-At-Large seats.

NDP won three seats – Myron Walwyn in the Sixth Electoral District and Marlon Penn in the Eight Electoral District. Lorna Smith won one the four Territorial-At Large seats.

And, PU Chairman Julian Fraser was re-elected as the Third Electoral District Representative.

Many expected PVIM, NDP and PU to form a coalition government, but less than 24-hours after results were announced, NDP’s Smith crossed the floor and joined the VIP.

VIP Chairman Natalio Wheatley returned as Premier of the territory, while former First Lady Smith is now the Deputy Premier.

Skelton thanked PVIM supporters for putting their trust in the party’s vision for the territory.

““Thanks for your votes. We are very grateful for your trust in us. We believe that integrity  matters and it’s something that we hold dear,” he said.