Hon. Marlon A. Penn President of the National Democratic Party (NDP) said he has been engaged in discussions, and he has responded to calls for collaboration aimed at rebuilding the National Democratic Party. Photo: NDP

The President of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and Opposition Member, Hon. Marlon A. Penn (R8), has dismissed claims that there is a power struggle within the NDP. Photo: Facebook

During an appearance on the Talking Points programme on ZBVI 780 AM on February 16, 2026, he stated that the current Virgin Islands government has approached him multiple times to join them. 

‘’If it was about us having power or about me having power, I would have been with the government today. Election night, they called me and asked me to join the government to be the deputy premier, and about several months before Fraser joined, they asked me as well,’’ he stated.

Hon Penn emphasised that his focus is on bringing the right people together to move the country forward. 

'It's not about a power struggle'

‘’So for me, it's never been about power. So when I hear this, this concern about power struggle. It's not about a power struggle; it is about putting together the right set of persons that could run the country moving forward in the best interest of the people. The Virgin Islands is my focus.’’ 

He also highlighted the importance of Opposition members working together to ensure that the current situation does not persist. 

‘’I think it's clear to all of us in Opposition that if we don't work together, the reality is going to be the same, and I think we are all of that view.’’ 

Rebuilding the National Democratic Party

He noted that the Opposition has been engaged in discussions, and he has responded to calls for collaboration aimed at rebuilding the National Democratic Party.

‘’We will continue the conversation with the other 2 colleagues in opposition, as, you know, one has subsequently left and joined the government, and we will continue to have those conversations leading up to the general election.’’ 

He added that, ‘’Our hope is that we will be able to work as one complete unit, not just to win power, but to bring relief to the people of the Virgin Islands.’’