As the National Democratic Party (NDP) works to project unity after the party split in recent years, residents are urging its leadership to resolve internal issues before promising solutions for the Territory.
During the return of the NDP’s radio programme on May 18, party leader Hon. Marlon Penn, Deputy Chairman Hon. Melvin Turnbull and Hon. Ronnie Skelton faced pointed questions about the party’s internal issues.
“Before you try to fix the country, fix your party first,” one caller said. “You have to show people that you’re serious. You can’t wait.”
The caller pressed members on whether Mark Vanterpool had officially resigned from the party.
Penn declined to discuss internal matters publicly.
“Those are internal issues and we will deal with them,” Penn said. “I don’t think we need to air our laundry in public. What’s important is moving forward with the people of the Virgin Islands.”
He insisted the NDP has regrouped and remains focused on national issues.
“The NDP is here. We’ve consolidated and have a group of men and women around the table focused on moving this country forward,” Penn added. “The internal matters will be dealt with internally and the public will know what they need to know in due time.”
Both Penn and Turnbull brushed aside questions about Vanterpool, saying he has already made his position clear and the party is focused on the future.
Vanterpool launched a new political movement after losing the NDP chairmanship race to Penn.
During the return of the NDP’s radio programme on May 18, party leader Hon. Marlon Penn, Deputy Chairman Hon. Melvin Turnbull and Hon. Ronnie Skelton faced pointed questions about the party’s internal issues.
“Before you try to fix the country, fix your party first,” one caller said. “You have to show people that you’re serious. You can’t wait.”
The caller pressed members on whether Mark Vanterpool had officially resigned from the party.
Penn declined to discuss internal matters publicly.
“Those are internal issues and we will deal with them,” Penn said. “I don’t think we need to air our laundry in public. What’s important is moving forward with the people of the Virgin Islands.”
He insisted the NDP has regrouped and remains focused on national issues.
“The NDP is here. We’ve consolidated and have a group of men and women around the table focused on moving this country forward,” Penn added. “The internal matters will be dealt with internally and the public will know what they need to know in due time.”
Both Penn and Turnbull brushed aside questions about Vanterpool, saying he has already made his position clear and the party is focused on the future.
Vanterpool launched a new political movement after losing the NDP chairmanship race to Penn.
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