Elections 2023

BVI Will Have A Coalition Government Predicts District 3 Representative Julian Fraser

Published

3 years ago

April 3, 2023

Editor

British Virgin Islands Third Electoral District incumbent Julian Fraser believes there is no clear winner in this election race and that the territory will have a coalition government over the next four years.

Fraser shared his prediction during his April 1st campaign launch in Sea Cows, Tortola.

In a surprise move, the six-term district representative endorsed the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM).

“I am confident that we are going to have in our next house of assembly a colation government,” the chairman of the Progressive United (PU) told the crowd.

He added that he reached out to the leaders of the main opposition parties – Ronnie Skelton of PVIM and Marlon Penn of the National Democratic Party (NDP) – “to let them know in no uncertain terms, there is one enemy out there, that’s the Virgin Islands Party.”

“We got to cut the head off that snake, and I am prepared. I told my people that think that I am a lone ranger and I don’t associate with people, I tell them that’s not the case. The only reason the other group is not here is because they have a man out there manoeuvring in my district, but I will take care of him.”

According to Fraser the next house of assembly needs warriors.

“Ronnie Skelton is coming back as a warrior, of course I will be there.”

PVIM is not contesting in Fraser’s district, while NDP’s candidate is Aaron Parillon.

This is the first time Fraser has publicly endorsed a political party.

PVIM chairman Skelton publicly accepted Fraser’s support on behalf of his party.

“I am here on behalf of my team to accept this humble endorsement by your representative Honourable Julian Fraser. I am here also to throw our full support behind the liberator Julian Fraser on his quest to the fifth House of Assembly. We are at a dark moment on our territory’s timeliness, but I believe that brighter days are ahead of us,” Skelton told the crowd.

Fraser has been the Third Electoral District representative since 1999. He won the seat as a member of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), and has held the positions of Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Communications and Works.

The seasoned politician unsuccessfully led the VIP in the 2015 general election. In 2019, he formed his own political party – Progressive United.

PVIM’s chairman Skelton returns as a territorial at-large candidate this election. He failed in his bid to secure a seat in the house of assembly in 2019.

PVIM was launched in 2018 after Skelton left the NDP following a tumultuous leadership battle. He lost the chairmanship to Myron Walwyn following the then Premier Orlando Smith’s retirement from politics.

The new party only won a single seat in the 2019 general election -Mitch Turnbull in the Second Electoral District. The VIP won seven of the 13 house of assembly seats.

This election, PVIM has a slate of nine candidates. Joining Skelton in the territorial at large race are Stacy “Buddha” Mather, Ingrid Moses-Scatliffe and Shaina Smith-Archer.

The party’s district candidates are: Silvia Romney (First District), Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull (Second District), Ian Smith (Fourth District), Marvin Blyden (Fifth District) and Shereen D. Flax-Charles (Ninth District).

Voters will not be able to vote for a PVIM candidate in three other districts – six, seven and eight.

Advance polling day is April 20, and general election day is April 24.

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Elections 2023

Hon. Wheatley Introduces Elections Amendment Bill in House of Assembly

Published

23 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.