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Second District Representative Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull has flatly denied claims that Myron Walwyn tried to persuade him to join the People’s Leadership Movement (PLM), accusing Claude Skelton Cline of using his name to create confusion.
Speaking on the National Democratic Party's (NDP) radio programme on October 7, Turnbull challenged allegations made by his cousin, political commentator Claude Skelton Cline.
“Hon. Walwyn and I had no such conversation about joining PLM and Hon. Vanterpool,” Turnbull said.
Skelton Cline claimed on his October 6 programme that Walwyn tried to persuade Turnbull to join the PLM with him, that Turnbull was promised a deputy leadership position and that he rejected the approach.
Turnbull said he was troubled by the public use of his name and called for it to stop, adding that he should have an opportunity to respond directly when statements were made about him.
“Clearly he is a supporter of the Virgin Islands Party, so let him do that. I am a member of the National Democratic Party, the Deputy Chairman supporting the team that is here,” he said, characterising Skelton Cline’s political allegiance.
He also addressed Walwyn’s position in the party.
“Hon. Walwyn, as far as I am aware, is a member of the National Democratic Party and we are going to be working together,” Turnbull said.
Turnbull appeared on the programme alongside Ronnie Skelton, NDP Chairman Marlon Penn and Bishop John Cline. Notably, Walwyn was not on the programme.
Walwyn separately denied the allegation in an October 7 statement, describing it as false and challenging Skelton Cline and his associates to provide proof. He accused the commentator of manufacturing claims about him and said his focus remained on serving the Sixth District.
The dispute comes ahead of the NDP’s October 8 meeting and amid questions about party unity following Mark Vanterpool’s departure. Vanterpool formed the PLM after losing the NDP chairmanship contest to Marlon Penn in April.
Turnbull criticised that decision, saying Vanterpool left after the party’s democratic process had been completed, despite previously telling people he would support whoever became leader.
Speaking on the National Democratic Party's (NDP) radio programme on October 7, Turnbull challenged allegations made by his cousin, political commentator Claude Skelton Cline.
“Hon. Walwyn and I had no such conversation about joining PLM and Hon. Vanterpool,” Turnbull said.
Skelton Cline claimed on his October 6 programme that Walwyn tried to persuade Turnbull to join the PLM with him, that Turnbull was promised a deputy leadership position and that he rejected the approach.
Turnbull said he was troubled by the public use of his name and called for it to stop, adding that he should have an opportunity to respond directly when statements were made about him.
“Clearly he is a supporter of the Virgin Islands Party, so let him do that. I am a member of the National Democratic Party, the Deputy Chairman supporting the team that is here,” he said, characterising Skelton Cline’s political allegiance.
He also addressed Walwyn’s position in the party.
“Hon. Walwyn, as far as I am aware, is a member of the National Democratic Party and we are going to be working together,” Turnbull said.
Turnbull appeared on the programme alongside Ronnie Skelton, NDP Chairman Marlon Penn and Bishop John Cline. Notably, Walwyn was not on the programme.
Walwyn separately denied the allegation in an October 7 statement, describing it as false and challenging Skelton Cline and his associates to provide proof. He accused the commentator of manufacturing claims about him and said his focus remained on serving the Sixth District.
The dispute comes ahead of the NDP’s October 8 meeting and amid questions about party unity following Mark Vanterpool’s departure. Vanterpool formed the PLM after losing the NDP chairmanship contest to Marlon Penn in April.
Turnbull criticised that decision, saying Vanterpool left after the party’s democratic process had been completed, despite previously telling people he would support whoever became leader.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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