Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resource and Labour, during the popular radio talk show Honestly Speaking with Former Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) and social commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline stated that he is prepared if asked to serve his country as leader. Photo: Facebook

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), is battling for his political survival within his own National Democratic Party (NDP) as members are planning to oust him as party president at a meeting which is scheduled for June 23, 2018. Photo: VINO/Facebook

This is according to Dr The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7), Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resource and Labour, during the popular radio talk show Honestly Speaking with Former Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) and social commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline on ZBVI 780 AM on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 when asked if he will contest for the NDP leadership position.

He reiterated, “As far as I’m aware, I ain’t heard of no official word that there is going to be an election for the leadership of the National Democratic Party. I have heard just like you have heard and like someone once said this is a very small country and you do hear things. So I hear things just like you hear things. As far as I’m aware Dr D Orlando Smith is the leader of the NDP.”

It is said that Premier Smith is battling for his political survival within his own National Democratic Party (NDP) as members are planning to oust him as party president at a meeting which is scheduled for June 23, 2018.

Dr Pickering prepared to serve as NDP leader

Pushing the subject further, Mr Skelton-Cline asked Dr Pickering if the time comes for a leadership change in the NDP, would he be prepared to become the leader of the party.

In response, he said, “Whatever leadership capacity I’m asked to serve in this country, I’m prepared. I’ve been in the leadership position in my country for the longest while, and whatever the situation is that I find myself in I try to do the best that I can.”

The NDP has come under fire from the public, the media, civil society and its supporters for the poor management of the Territory's finances and the allegation of corruption.

The next general election in the Virgin Islands (VI) is constitutionally due by the first quarter of 2019 and is expected to be another showdown between the NDP and the Opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP) headed by Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), First District Representative.