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by pltm
(PLTM) - Even as the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) has already taken to the ground and begun their campaign, the party is yet to have a complete slate of candidates for the upcoming General Election.
At this time, the party is still seeking candidates, and is in conversation with persons that they are hoping to recruit.
This is according to Chairman of the PVIM, Hon. Ronnie Skelton.
On a radio show last night, January 10, Hon. Skelton—while praising his current candidates—said, “we are looking for a few more people.”
In a prior conversation with BVI Platinum News, he divulged, “We are constantly talking to people. We haven’t had any firm commitments as yet, but constantly talking to people who need to do certain things to make up their minds,” adding, “As soon as we get more, we’ll let you know.”
So far, the party has officially presented seven candidates.
The At Large candidates are Hon. Skelton; Ms. Shaina Smith; and Apostle Carnel P. Fahie.
Hon. Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull will seek re-election in District Two, while former President of the BVI Taxi Association, Mr. Karl Scatliffe will be contesting for District Four.
For District Five on the PVIM ticket is former Customs Head, Mr. Wade Smith, while Mr. Jose DeCastro will be contesting for the District Nine seat.
At the PVIM’s December 7 launch, the Chairman had announced that former Health Minister under the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), Hon. Dancia Penn, QC, would be the fourth territorial candidate, but she later denied this, saying she has not decided as she was being courted by other parties.
When asked whether she has confirmed her candidacy with the party, Hon. Skelton responded, “You are not going to get any comment on that from me.”
Multiple attempts by this publication to get a response from Penn on the issue were futile.
Meanwhile, there are also speculations that Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Resources and Labour, Hon. Kedrick Pickering will be joining the PVIM.
Previously, Hon. Skelton had said that he would welcome Pickering “with open arms” into the PVIM.
Hon. Pickering previously contested and won the District Seven seat with the National Democratic Party (NDP), but that party has already launched a new candidate for that seat.
He has confirmed his candidacy in the upcoming election, which is due by April 16, but has refused to confirm whether he would be running with Hon. Skelton.
