PVIM and NDP leaders Ronnie Skelton and Marlon Penn, respectively.
Chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Marlon Penn and leader of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) Ronnie Skelton have announced the reunification of their parties under the NDP banner.
In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, Penn explained that the decision was driven by the “reality” that the Virgin Islands’ political landscape is too small to sustain three dominant parties. He noted that the NDP and PVIM largely share the same support base, as PVIM was originally formed in 2019 as a breakaway faction of the NDP.
“This fragmentation has resulted in vote splitting in the last two elections, weakening both parties,” Penn said.
He emphasized that the move is not motivated by a thirst for power but by a shared vision for the Virgin Islands.
“Today’s announcement by Honourable Skelton and myself is rooted in a shared vision and love for these Virgin Islands and its people. Our only focus is to change the current trajectory of our beloved territory—from a place where citizens struggle to obtain basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter, to one where socioeconomic conditions improve, allowing Virgin Islanders, Belongers, and Residents alike to enjoy the good quality of life they once knew,” Penn stated.
He added that the reunification responds to growing calls from supporters and the wider community for unity.
The announcement follows Skelton’s recent removal as Leader of the Opposition by a three-member political alliance comprising Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn, who was previously affiliated with the NDP, alongside PVIM’s Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull and Stacy “Buddha” Mather.
Walwyn was sworn in as Opposition Leader on Monday.
Both Skelton and Penn indicated that they were blindsided by the Walwyn-Turnbull-Mather alliance.
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