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NDP Leadership Turmoil:- Stalwart challenges Hon Walwyn’s title as Chairman

-says Premier Smith is still party leader
Longstanding NDP member —of 25 years—former Chief Education Officer, Mr Elroy A. Turnbull, believes it is incorrect to ascribe the label of Chairman and co-leader of the party to Honourable Myron V. Walwyn since he believes Premier, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith is still Chairman. Photo: VINO/File
According to NDP stalwart, Mr Elroy A. Turnbull, in his opinion, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), remains the substantive Chairman and Leader of the party. Photo: Team of Reporters
According to NDP stalwart, Mr Elroy A. Turnbull, in his opinion, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), remains the substantive Chairman and Leader of the party. Photo: Team of Reporters
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Political Stalwart and longstanding National Democratic Party (NDP) member—of 25 years—former Chief Education Officer (CEO), Mr Elroy A. Turnbull, believes it is incorrect to ascribe the label of Chairman and co-leader of the party to Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL).

According to the NDP stalwart, in his opinion, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), remains the substantive Chairman and Leader of the party until the proverbial ‘baton’ is turned over formally and Hon Walwyn, is officially inaugurated as party Chairman.

Chairman Elect

Mr Turnbull was at the time a guest on radio programme, Honestly Speaking, with host Mr Claude O. Skelton Cline, on November 20, 2018, and was adamant, Hon Walwyn is, and should be recognised as 'Chairman Elect,' until such time, he is fully inaugurated and formally assumes the role.

He said, “a chairman was selected in my view…the problem with the Chairman is the people start to name the Chairman Co-leader,” and argues, there is no such thing as a co-leader.

Explaining his rational, Mr Turnbull said after the Premier Smith announced he would not be contesting the post of Chairman to continue as leader the party, “then in my opinion there was need for election to select a chairman.”

Mr Turnbull conceded, while his view is without the assistance of the party’s constitution, he is of the firm view that it is only when Premier Smith walks off the post officially, or that it is formally handed over then, Dr Smith remains the Chairman of the party.

Adamant, Dr Smith and Hon Walwyn, cannot be co-leaders of the party, he questioned if Hon Walwyn is in fact the NDP Chairman, what role then does the Premier holds. He suggests, Dr Smith, is not ordinary member, “he is Chairman, until the Chairman elect assumes the post.

Internal Turmoil

Speaking directly to the internal turmoil with which the party has been plagued in recent months, Mr Turnbull suggested, “what has happened to my party is a difference in philosophy, there is a difference in ideology that has crept in, in the party….and right now as I see it, there is a little question of leadership that I think has emerged.”

He was quick to concede, the reality is that the party, “is going through this thing about who deh like and who deh want.”

Dismissing the relevance of whether the election was fair or not, Mr Turnbull spoke to the public perceptions and outright public disagreements with the man identified to lead the party.

“We are in turmoil, no matter what people say we are in turmoil,” Mr Turnbull said and opined that since it is the NDP government that is running the country then inherently the county must be effect.

He was adamant “Election is what will solve this whole thing…that’s the answer there is no other answer than elections.”

17 Responses to “NDP Leadership Turmoil:- Stalwart challenges Hon Walwyn’s title as Chairman ”

  • observant (24/11/2018, 14:45) Like (22) Dislike (7) Reply
    Plainly put Mr Turnbull, and you’re absolutely right!
  • voter (24/11/2018, 16:06) Like (14) Dislike (30) Reply
    Another one is out of the woodwork. Leave Walwyn alone!
    • Me (24/11/2018, 20:33) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
      stop !Mr.Turnbull is so correct.Now stop creating mountains from mole hill.No one can say what he didn't say cause he shoot from the hip.Tks Mr.Turnbull
  • ... (24/11/2018, 16:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    well sah look thing
  • wize up (24/11/2018, 17:39) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    talk!!! Talk !!! Talk: we need to make changes to the rules that govern this territory...the people of the territory should be able to vote from who we want to run this place: no special interest group should have that mandate: we need more power via a voting system to deals with lots of the social issues: as an example(independence all of we should vote the to determine yes or no) not a special interest group.....people power is a must remove some of that power from the politicians
  • resident (24/11/2018, 17:45) Like (18) Dislike (30) Reply
    The fact that walwyn just joined the party and has been elected Chairman shows his ability as a leader in my opinion. Whereas the others stood by and expected to get leadership because of years in the party was their downfall. Walwyn to me stood out from the beginning. He had his own committee who has never stopped working. He has his faults yes but he has been a hard worker from day 1. And no I'm not a fan. I just call it like I see it.
  • wilson (24/11/2018, 18:41) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    Who leading who? None of this matters. If we are serious about becoming a bigger, better, BVI...there is only one route...vote Sada for the Legco and leave your worries to the wind! #Sada4Primier #4th4Sada
    • pain (25/11/2018, 02:37) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
      We are happy to see more people supporting promising candidates for election. Sada is a son of the soil, and honest and hard working and will serve our country well. Leave this leaderless parties and try something new. I also support the cause. Vote for Sada if your in the fourth.
  • wize up (24/11/2018, 18:43) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    younger politicians: are their more aggressive or they understand the pleasures that comes with political office: under the NDP; some will clearly remember when it just dr smith & dr pickering holding electoral office: we all know how the issue with the VIP unfolded: the member from the 3 was proclaimed to be leader during the campaign thereafter things changed(young-blood)....I cant wait for the day after the upcoming elections(who win, win; because I still have fend for my family...I will hope life in our country will be made easer for some of we after that election): right now life at home is very dread(don’t hold a green)
  • Tafari Zharr (24/11/2018, 18:49) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Teacher Turnbull: Teach, that the teachings may be preached and presented so that challenges and challengers can strategize their goals for betterment and outcomes that represent the voice and wishes of the people who if they care about democracy and participation that they debate issues in public forums and answer beforehand where he country is going. How are you Teacher Turnbull?
  • Charley Rose (24/11/2018, 19:45) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The matter of the leadership of the National Democratic Party is one that needs to be addressed. Due to the lack of political experience both the Premier and Hon. Walwyn are in a quandary. From my experience in politic, once a NEW leader of a political party was elected, the former leader needs to pass the baton to the new leader so that he or she will chart a course for the party.

    What I have experienced in the territory is that the outgoing leader remains in the position until the General Election. That is incomprehensible. What is more alarming is the disunity that developed after Hon. Walwyn was elected. Prior to the NDP election, there was a similar scenario in the V.I.P. Hon Fraser was reluctant to hand over the position of Leader of the Opposition to Hon. Fahie .

    The procedure of leadership in the House of Assembly is done by the respective parties whether on the government side or the Opposition, informing His Excellency the Governor of the desire of the respective parties. Once the parties inform the Governor of their desire, then the Governor will act accordingly and appoint the Premier or the Leader of the Opposition.
  • wize up (25/11/2018, 03:03) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
    just an observation: after Hon Fahie was voted into the post of chairman within the Virgin Islands Party; the governor eventually proclaimed Hon Fahie to be the leader of the Virgin Islands Party: Hon Walwyn was monminated within the National Democratic Party to be its Chairman: The nominated person within a given political party in this territory is usually declaired the leader of the given party: no-ting personal just an observation
  • ann (25/11/2018, 07:24) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Turnbull is so right
  • Charley Rose (25/11/2018, 07:31) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    In response to Wise Up point of nomination of a Political Leader. Just for clarity, a nominated leader is not an elected leader. One can only be nominated and declare a winner if that person is unopposed by any other members or members. Once any other person or persons are nominated for the position then there must be a voting procedure and whoever wins is duly elected.

    The General Council pf the party is the highest decision making body of the party and once that party conducts the internal election and whoever is successful, then the party will inform His Excellency the Governor of the decision of the party and the matter will be resolved.
  • @Charlie Rose (25/11/2018, 07:53) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    So you may know. The outgoing president of the United States remains in office until the end of his term which is about two months after the President- elect is elected. Please add this to your experience.
  • Windy (25/11/2018, 12:13) Like (6) Dislike (12) Reply
    Give it up Walwyn. Your WALL did you in.
  • Charley Rose (25/11/2018, 21:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    In response to Wise Up comment while trying to compare the U.S election system with the British Virgin Islands. I would like to humbly inform him that the Constitution of the United States is quite different from the British Constitution as such he cannot make a comparison. It is like apple and grapes.

    I am still of the opinion that the leadership of the N.D.P leaves much to be desired. Again if during the N.D.P internal election Hon Myron Walwyn was elected as the party leader, he should have been given the opportunity to lead the party and he doesn't have to wait until the Hon. Premier serve out his full term tot General Election. For example when Bruce Golding of Jamaica resigned as J.L.P party leader and leader of the opposition Hon. Andrew Holeness was elected as J.L.P leader and served as the opposition until the General Election.


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