The National Democratic Party (NDP) has shrugged off criticism of Chairman and Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Marlon Penn, declaring that its leadership election is settled.
The party also cautioned against public exchanges that could deepen divisions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a strongly worded statement, the NDP said members exercised their constitutional right to elect Penn and a new executive, and the party intends to respect that decision.
“The National Democratic Party remains confident in its leader, its team, its vision and its ability to lead the Virgin Islands forward,” the party declared.
The statement added, “That democratic process has concluded, and the Party respects the will of its membership.”
The party did not identify the source of the “recent public commentary” that triggered its response. However, political commentator Claude Skelton Cline recently said the NDP would struggle to win the next election under Penn’s leadership.
Skelton Cline argued that the party should install At-Large Representative Ronnie Skelton as leader and reunite with Hon. Myron Walwyn and former Fourth District Representative Mark Vanterpool.
“You won the battle, and then you committed yourself simultaneously to losing the war,” Skelton Cline said, referring to Penn’s victory in the party’s internal elections.
The NDP has firmly rejected any attempt to reopen the leadership contest, saying differing views should be addressed through its established internal processes and not through public exchanges.
“The people of the Virgin Islands expect leadership that is focused on solutions, not personalities,” the party stated.
The NDP said rising living costs, increasing prices for essential goods, persistent water problems, infrastructure concerns, economic uncertainty and the need for stronger consumer protection should take priority over internal political disputes.
As the party continues ratifying candidates and accelerating preparations for the next election, it warned that unity is essential.
The NDP called on every member, supporter, elected representative and party officer to respect the decisions made by its membership and work collectively towards forming the next government.
“Political organisations are strengthened not by the absence of differing opinions, but by the willingness of their members to place the greater good above individual differences,” the statement said.
“This moment is not about any one individual. It is about the people of the Virgin Islands.”
The party insisted that its focus must be on providing hope to families facing economic pressure, restoring confidence in public institutions and presenting a credible alternative to the current government.
The party also cautioned against public exchanges that could deepen divisions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a strongly worded statement, the NDP said members exercised their constitutional right to elect Penn and a new executive, and the party intends to respect that decision.
“The National Democratic Party remains confident in its leader, its team, its vision and its ability to lead the Virgin Islands forward,” the party declared.
The statement added, “That democratic process has concluded, and the Party respects the will of its membership.”
The party did not identify the source of the “recent public commentary” that triggered its response. However, political commentator Claude Skelton Cline recently said the NDP would struggle to win the next election under Penn’s leadership.
Skelton Cline argued that the party should install At-Large Representative Ronnie Skelton as leader and reunite with Hon. Myron Walwyn and former Fourth District Representative Mark Vanterpool.
“You won the battle, and then you committed yourself simultaneously to losing the war,” Skelton Cline said, referring to Penn’s victory in the party’s internal elections.
The NDP has firmly rejected any attempt to reopen the leadership contest, saying differing views should be addressed through its established internal processes and not through public exchanges.
“The people of the Virgin Islands expect leadership that is focused on solutions, not personalities,” the party stated.
The NDP said rising living costs, increasing prices for essential goods, persistent water problems, infrastructure concerns, economic uncertainty and the need for stronger consumer protection should take priority over internal political disputes.
As the party continues ratifying candidates and accelerating preparations for the next election, it warned that unity is essential.
The NDP called on every member, supporter, elected representative and party officer to respect the decisions made by its membership and work collectively towards forming the next government.
“Political organisations are strengthened not by the absence of differing opinions, but by the willingness of their members to place the greater good above individual differences,” the statement said.
“This moment is not about any one individual. It is about the people of the Virgin Islands.”
The party insisted that its focus must be on providing hope to families facing economic pressure, restoring confidence in public institutions and presenting a credible alternative to the current government.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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