National Democratic Party (NDP 1), breakaway group known as the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM–NDP2) launched former Comptroller of Customs, Wade N. Smith as their candidate in District Five. Photo: Facebook

Hon Skelton noted that he wanted to put an end to certain myths, the main one being, “members of the PVIM sat in the NDP and condoned corruption.” Photo: Team of Reporters

In his maiden speech last evening Friday, January 11, 2019, Mr Smith was short on solutions but told the modest audience, “that we are the laughing stock of the Caribbean.” Photo: Team of Reporters

In his maiden speech last evening, Friday, January 11, 2019, Mr Smith was short on solutions but reminded the Virgin Islands (VI) public, “that we are the laughing stock of the Caribbean.”

He also noted the gross mismanagement of funds by NDP 1 which led to the need for money borrowing, and he spoke on the infamous wall and the sewage scandals. 

Living in the past 

Mr Smith, who is up against some three other candidates for the D5 open seat, also listed other political scandals going back some 10 to 15 years; the Purcell Ghut, a wall in Sea Cows Bay and the Airport Project. He claimed that, “it is time for a new direction.”

He said the only accusation about his Leader, Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) is that he was “too tight with the money” along with he “sat there and said nothing.”

The former Comptroller of Customs said he did not abuse government funds while in office and never drove a government vehicle.

Meanwhile, his leader Hon Skelton said that he wanted to put an end to certain 'myths', the main one being, “members of the PVIM sat in the NDP and condoned corruption.”

NDP 1 vs NDP 2

In pointing a finger at NDP 1, led by Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), Hon Skelton noted that “I am not a corrupt man, I do not condone corruption… Hon Archibald C. Christian and the Hon Melvin M. Turnbull are not corrupt men.” 

In further making his points, the fired Health and Social Development Minister made it clear, “We have no track record of misappropriation, misfeasance, malfeasance or mismanagement, go and check!” he said.

In referencing what many believe was the current Premier Smith led Administration, Hon Skelton stated, “We have never been accused, charged, commissioned for inquiry or investigated.” 

Currently, NDP 1’s Mr Walywn is facing an investigation over a small wall he built at the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) costing taxpayers $1.6M.