Penn, Skelton wanted to split Premiership?

Skelton and Penn.

Fresh details are emerging about the sharp disagreements that unfolded among members of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) in the immediate aftermath of the 2023 general election — divisions that many observers believe gave the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) a clear path to form the government.

Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn has now confirmed that one reason for the rift is a proposal that was put forward regarding how the territory’s leadership would be split over the course of the four-year term.

“I came back as [Sixth District] Representative, Honourable Penn was the acting chairman (of NDP), so I let him do what he wanted to do. I was there with him and Honourable Skelton in a meeting. I didn’t agree with everything because part of what they wanted to do was one be Premier for two years, and one be Premier for the other two years, and I wasn’t in this musical chairs thing with the country,” Walwyn said.

The revelation adds new context to the stalemate between the two opposition factions, which attempted but ultimately failed to form a coalition government after the 2023 polls.

That failure left the VIP, despite winning fewer seats outright, in a strong position to retain power. For years, residents have expressed frustration at the public infighting and lack of unity among elected leaders.

Those cries are even louder, with clear divisions in the Opposition ranks, which many argue have weakened oversight of government and distracted leaders from addressing the cost of living, public service reform, infrastructure, and other pressing issues facing the territory.

With the next election cycle already in sight, political analysts say the opposition’s credibility may depend on whether the NDP and PVIM can overcome old wounds and demonstrate a willingness to put the territory’s interests above personal or party ambition.