Fourth District Representative and businessman, Mark Vanterpool.
Businessman and former Fourth District Representative Mark Vanterpool is among several people identified as potential contenders for the chairmanship of the National Democratic Party (NDP), according to commentator Claude Skelton Cline.
Speaking on his Honestly Speaking radio programme, Skelton Cline said that information circulating in the public domain suggests that Vanterpool has re-emerged within the party and is seeking a leadership role ahead of an anticipated internal decision next month.
Skelton Cline said the former legislator has been publicly signalling his alignment with the party, with Vanterpool reportedly showing visible signs of renewed political activity, including displaying NDP branding.
He further indicated that Vanterpool has declared his interest in leading the organisation. “Vanterpool has said he is seeking the chairmanship of the National Democratic Party on the 18th,” Skelton Cline said.
The speculation comes as the NDP is reportedly regrouping, with a series of meetings expected to culminate in a leadership decision. Skelton Cline described a slate of “potential candidates” across districts and at-large positions, noting that none had yet been formally confirmed.
Vanterpool previously served as Fourth District representative and was a senior member of the NDP before exiting active politics. His political career has been marked by periods of controversy, including a court challenge to his swearing-in following his most recent election victory, as well as his management of the Tortola Pier Park project, which drew significant public scrutiny at the time.
Skelton Cline previously speculated that Vanterpool was exploring the formation of a new political movement, an allegation Vanterpool quickly debunked. That speculation also drew attention after Skelton Cline alleged that Vanterpool’s sister, a sitting member of the current Virgin Islands Party-led administration, would have been joining him.
The potential return of Vanterpool adds to a wider field of individuals being discussed as part of the NDP’s reorganisation. Other potential contenders for the chairmanship of the National Democratic Party, identified by Skelton Cline, include Marlon Penn and Ronnie Skelton.
Skelton Cline suggested that the party’s prospects may depend heavily on who emerges as leader, stating that leadership will be “the key to all of this”. He further indicated that the party’s ability to convince the public of its unity would be a central challenge as it seeks to re-establish itself politically.
The NDP has not yet officially confirmed its slate or leadership candidates.
Skelton Cline.
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