Hon Pickering drops out race for NDP Presidency!
Word of this came on Sunday June 10, 2018, from senior party sources.
Dr. Pickering did not have the support
It is unclear, if he will endorse any of the three left contesting to lead the NDP into the next general elections—due by 2019—when the party will be seeking a third consecutive term in office.
While it is also unclear at this time why Dr Pickering dropped out of the race, some delegates have told our newsroom—speaking on the condition of anonymity, “he (Dr Pickering) did not have the support within the party, so it was clear his decision was more self-preservation.”
Pressed on why he did not enjoy the support of his party comrades—having been alongside Dr the Honourable, D. Orlando Smith (AL), for such a long time—many delegates declined to comment.
First elected in 1999, with the NDP, Dr Pickering has won five consecutive general elections. Next year (2019) will mark 20 years since taking 'public office' for the Deputy Premier.
Hon Walwyn is front runner
The NDP's June 23, 2018, internal elections for the post of party president, is now down to a three man race between incumbent, Dr Smith, Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), and Education and Culture Minister, Honourable, Myron V. Walwyn (AL).
Many delegates have told our newsroom, that as of today, June 11, 2018, Hon Walwyn is the front runner and some are waiting to see if Dr. Smith will also pull out of the race.
The NDP has been embroiled in wave of turmoil following its win at the 2015 general elections, with at least one Minister of Government now under investigation into a wall erected around a school.
Allegations are also rife that another Minister was warned not to run for re-election, “or else.”
Several NDP elected members have also publicly slammed Premier Smith, over his perceived poor leadership, in addition to calls for him to be stripped of the ‘Ministry of Finance’ portfolio.
The NDP govenrment has also been plagued by allegations of corruption, mismanagement of funds and victimisation, in addition to the growing discontent among Virgin Islanders—evidenced in the recent ‘Peoples March.’
28 Responses to “Hon Pickering drops out race for NDP Presidency! ”
Given that the front runner is concerned most about the general welfare of others and even more less of the indigenous population, says to me that, perhaps, the NDP's future as the people's party is at peril.
.Go sit down
We understand.
No island man should be running our affairs