Word reaching our news centre is that Coy W. Levons has left the National Democratic Party (NDP). Photo: Facebook

Chairman of the National Democratic Party, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) said earlier in 2026 that the party was strong and rebuilding. Photo: NDP

According to reports, Levons wrote a letter to the NDP informing the party of his departure.

Levons, an Anegadian, was poised to run again for the NDP for the next general election and it is unclear if he will still contest the election and with which party. 

Levon’s Director of Civil Aviation appointment

In June 2024, Levons was appointed as Director of Civil Aviation after his defeat at the polls, a position he held briefly in 2021. 

Mr Levons served as the BVI Airports Authority’s Duty Manager from 2006 to 2010, and Director of Operations from 2010 to 2019 before transitioning to the position of Managing Director (MD) in the same year. He resigned abruptly as MD of the Authority in August 2019 and sought political office in 2023.

NDP still strong?

The NDP merged with the Hon Ronnie W. Skelton-led Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) earlier this year. Hon Marlon A Penn, who was subsequently elected Chairman of the party and appointed Opposition Leader in the months that followed has publicly said there is no power struggle within the party, that the party was strong and was focused on rebuilding. He even said the party was ready for a snap general election.

However, following Hon Penn’s election as NDP Chairman, former legislator Mark H. Vanterpool abruptly left the party to launch his own, the People’s Leadership Movement (PLM) not long after. 

Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) and Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6) had remained with the party following their semi split to form what they termed The Alliance with Hon Stacy R. Mather (AL), who has since joined the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) government. 

Hon Turnbull was elected Deputy Chair of the NPD, a position he ran against Hon Walwyn for. He continues to serve in Opposition as a member of the NDP but has remained relatively quiet, not appearing on the party’s radio programme when it has been held.

Levons' sudden departure from the party leaves one to question, "Is the NDP still strong?".

Our news centre reached out to Mr Levons and senior members of the NDP, including Hon Penn, for comment but did not receive any up to the time of publication.