Hon Ronnie W. Skelton wants Premier ‘formally recognised’ for devoted service to VI
Hon Skelton’s clarion call came by way of a public statement on social media today, June 21, 2018, following Dr Smith’s announcement on Monday, June 15, 2018, that he would be stepping down as President of the NDP, and would not lead the party into the upcoming General Elections, due in 2019.
Devoted & Steadfast
“Premier, as we fondly call him, has been our leader from the challenging days of the NDP’s inception. He has led us through five General Elections with a steady hand and his trademark of deep-seated humility,” Hon Skelton said, as he commended the NDP leader for “his devoted and steadfast leadership.”
Leadership, he said “during a period of considerable development and growth of the people of these Virgin Islands.”
According to Hon Skelton, “…over the past 19 years of his political career, he has continued his unbroken legacy of service to the people of these Virgin Islands, always striving for what is best for our Territory.”
He said, as a founding member of “this NDP, I have served alongside Dr Smith from day one, and I want to take this opportunity to be among the first to thank him for his unwavering dedication and contribution—not only to the National Democratic Party, but most importantly to our beloved Virgin Islands.”
New Leadership
According to Hon Skelton, the members of the NDP “look forward to Dr Smith’s wise counsel as an elder Statesman, as we begin a new chapter of progress for these Virgin Islands and as we make this transition to new leadership.”
The NDP co-founder, who currently also holds the government portfolio of Minister for Health and Social Development, had formally launched his bid to lead the part, on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, last.
It our newsroom’s understanding that he has the support of Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), who himself dropped out the race a few days ago.
Veteran
Hon Skelton is a political veteran who was first elected in 1999 to 2007, but lost the 2007 elections. He was re- elected again in 2011 to the position he still holds.
He was the first politician—who was not a Chief Minister or Premier—to serve as Minister of Finance [2003-2007].
The NDP stalwart, is now in a fight for his political future, coming up against newcomer, Education and Culture Minister, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL), who is also contesting the internal election, for the post of President of the party.
Nine Offices
The NDP’s Convention is scheduled for Saturday, June 23, 2018, where Delegates will—in the party’s internal elections—vote for a new leadership.
The nine party offices being contested are that of NDP President—currently held by Dr Smith—Vice President, Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer, Chaplain, Chairman of the Youth Movement, and Chairperson of the Women’s Association.
The June 23, 2018 NDP Delegates Convention is being held in accordance with the party’s constitution which dictates it be held, “at least once in every two years, which shall deal with any or all matters affecting the party; proposed amendments to the party’s constitution; review the performance of the party and elect party officers.”
Whatever the outcome on June 23, 2018, the NDP will face the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), with Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) at the helm.
General Election in the VI is constitutionally due by next year but some political pundits are predicting a likely 2018 poll—early elections being lawful under the VI Constitution Order.
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15 Responses to “Hon Ronnie W. Skelton wants Premier ‘formally recognised’ for devoted service to VI ”
The other is acting like the minster for the 1st fighting power.