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Hon Marlon A. Penn landslides for NDP Chairmanship with 65 votes

- Hon Melvin M. Turnbull is Vice Chair
In a vote taken today, Saturday, April 18, 2026, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) won the Chairmanship of the National Democratic Party (NDP) during the party's special convention. Photo: NDP/Government of the Virgin Islands
Hon Melvin M. Turnbull was elected Deputy Chair of the National Democratic Party during a special convention on April 18, 2026. Photo: NDP/Government of the Virgin Islands
Hon Melvin M. Turnbull was elected Deputy Chair of the National Democratic Party during a special convention on April 18, 2026. Photo: NDP/Government of the Virgin Islands
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- In a vote taken this evening, Saturday, April 18, 2026, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) won the Chairmanship of the National Democratic Party (NDP) during the party's special convention, as was predicted by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).

Penn landslided his closest competitor, Mark H. Vanterpool, 65 to 29 votes. Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) came in third place with 17 votes at the convention held at Maria's by the Sea.

In the race for Deputy Chair, there was a big upset when Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) won with 64 votes over the current Leader of His Majesty's Loyal Opposition, Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6), who secured 57 votes. 

VINO will bring more details as they come in. 

57 Responses to “Hon Marlon A. Penn landslides for NDP Chairmanship with 65 votes”

  • This have to be a joke. (18/04/2026, 20:37) Like (42) Dislike (57) Reply
    The whole political scene in the BVI has become a laughing stock. Wake me up please. No one of them is getting my vote. But on the brighter side. I'm happy that neither Mark, Ronnie and Especially Myron has gotten the Chairmanship or Presidency.
    It's best to leave the ruling party in power.
    • Lettsome Smith Lennard Rabsatt (18/04/2026, 21:18) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
      Congrats to Marlon & Mitch!!!!
    • @ No it's not a Joke. (19/04/2026, 04:03) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
      If you are a street person and listen to the Streets you won't be surprised. I said on a few blogs, The Streets have Marlon as the most liked, Mark as the hardest worker and Ronnie as the most ready & capable...When you are well liked they will over looked your capabilities and weaknesses...So, this is more about been liked than ability..
      • Not Serious About Winning (19/04/2026, 13:22) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
        NDP is being petty. If they were looking for a LEADER they would have realised that MARLON IS NOT IT. Instead they being petty a voting on God knows what. The General populace will not support Marlon as a premier. Its a worse reach that Frazer.
    • concerned citizen (19/04/2026, 12:50) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
      Mr. Marlon Penn. Please come down to Josiah's Bay right after the well, turning towards the beach. The so-called auto repair shop has turned into a garbage dump. When I go to the beach daily, there is a big machine on the road, and broken-down vehicles are on both sides of the road. Does he own both lots on both sides of the road? It looks horrendous, and whoever owns that lot should be FINED! It is unsanitary and a terrible eyesore. There is an Airbnb right next to it. YUCK! Who would stay there? Mr. Penn, take time to speak with the people who live there, living in this misery. I'm sure they will have plenty to say. You are the Representative for this community, and need to address this problem immediately. I love Josiah's Bay Beach, though, with the surfing going on.
  • rattie (18/04/2026, 20:47) Like (18) Dislike (10) Reply
    VIP gone clear
  • Lb (18/04/2026, 20:59) Like (27) Dislike (7) Reply
    The fact that this came down to a vote, shows that this post is divided and will not win the election. Any time they had decided firmly what the structure of the party was before this so called vote, then the voting would not have been necessary. Marlon cannot be head of the NDP in anyone’s mind except his handlers and family, in a way that would rally the electorate behind the NDP. We all know this. So he might have won their internal democratic process but the NDP lost its best chance to succeed. So again personal ambition has superseded the interests of the country as a whole. Congrats to Marlon and Mitch on their personal victories. They now get to sit on the Opposition for yet another 4 -5 years!
  • Observer (18/04/2026, 21:05) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Anybody knows why the vote total for chairmanship is higher than the vote total for deputy chairmanship? Did some abstained from voting for deputy chairmanship?
  • Antigua and Angulla (18/04/2026, 21:07) Like (6) Dislike (42) Reply
    Let them two island man go sit down
  • Guest (18/04/2026, 21:07) Like (12) Dislike (7) Reply
    Let Ronnie put that in his pipe and smoke it.
  • Happy ???? (18/04/2026, 21:09) Like (18) Dislike (10) Reply
    Marlon deserve the chairmanship. He's one devoted NDP members. The others jump ship and expected to come back and be #1 leader.
  • trouble (18/04/2026, 21:21) Like (7) Dislike (35) Reply
    Better than it being Myron none of his parents or grandparents is Virgin Islanders he will never be premier of the VI
  • Agreeable One (18/04/2026, 21:36) Like (20) Dislike (3) Reply
    Little surprised at this! Marlon was the weakest and also the youngest of the candidates. Wonder how Mark especially will handle this now that he is relegated to a district rep or an ALP. It was a tough call overall but it goes to show that the best qualified is not always the one chosen. This makes the VIP road a little easier. IMO.
  • Meanwhile..... (18/04/2026, 21:42) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    We are awaiting to hear what Cindy has to say.
  • Hooray (18/04/2026, 21:47) Like (17) Dislike (39) Reply
    Tell island man walwyn go sit down this is the VI not Antigua
  • Well (18/04/2026, 21:54) Like (30) Dislike (11) Reply
    It was all a rigg, no way those counts would of been like that, Mark you is and always waa the engine behind the ndp, let me see Marlon lead the ndp to victory now!
  • ? (18/04/2026, 22:08) Like (24) Dislike (13) Reply
    Myron had a personal attack on him ahead of this convention to sneer his character so he doesn't win, but he is not power hungry to venture into the leadership race, so he showed leadership by choosing subordinate positions instead because he see that they don't want him on the constitution talks even though he is the best person to do some en qualified than natalio. Myron showed them humbleness and that he is not an empleomania like natalio and Claude and Ronnie.
  • BuzzBvi (18/04/2026, 22:17) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    ALL13MUSTBENEW
  • watching (18/04/2026, 22:26) Like (24) Dislike (2) Reply
    Another womanizing Premier! Lord, have mercy!
  • dead (18/04/2026, 22:36) Like (18) Dislike (6) Reply
    NDP DEAD ON ARRIVAL
  • … (18/04/2026, 22:36) Like (6) Dislike (14) Reply
    Any body but funny man let he stay in d6 and on the opposition for life
  • M & M one two punch (18/04/2026, 22:57) Like (6) Dislike (36) Reply
    I am happy that no islandman aint gonna run things here in the BVI.
  • how ironic (18/04/2026, 22:59) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    65 and 64 consistent votes..........Whoever voted for Marlon voted for Mitch also.
  • IT'S NOW THE BVI IS IN TROUBLE (18/04/2026, 23:01) Like (30) Dislike (1) Reply
    NONE OF THESE TWO JOKERS NEVER RAN A BUSINESS IN THEIR LIFE
  • Fools (18/04/2026, 23:03) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Marlon is dead weight
  • Migoman (18/04/2026, 23:15) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
    Too bad. I aint voting come 2027.
    I can only support serious, experienced leaders.
    One of the countries best chances of proper leadership is Ronnie. Claude was right about one thing, now aint the time for novice and new comers or those that are guessing around. Marlon cant lead, PERIOD. And mitch up and down with this obama style political approach with little to zero real substance.
    NDP aint going nowhere this next go around.
  • live (18/04/2026, 23:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wellsah
  • okay (18/04/2026, 23:24) Like (7) Dislike (13) Reply
    Its fair enough that hon Penn get it. He is faith to his party and his people
  • Leh Sindee tek dah (18/04/2026, 23:57) Like (10) Dislike (9) Reply
    Her idol Myron missed the bus.
  • tolaman (19/04/2026, 03:32) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    What a brilliant chess move, how it’s so ironic that the presidency position was uncontested with only a former PVIM member landing it? Chairman and deputy went to NDP and PVIM. Don’t you think it was well crafted?
  • Congrats Hon Penn. (19/04/2026, 04:08) Like (15) Dislike (5) Reply
    Ronnie is my Guy. However, the process worked, you were elected, we NDP has to respect that, avoid confusion, unite and throw our support behind the newly electef Chair man.. its a team, each one teach one. Together we are strong...
  • vi (19/04/2026, 04:57) Like (7) Dislike (10) Reply
    Hell no NDP all the way AGAIN .....
    NONE of my household will ever vote VIP again
  • Not to worry (19/04/2026, 06:12) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    We the people of the Virgin Islands (who are eligible to vote) will decide. It is quite obvious that we will have to choose between the lesser of the two evils. It is very pathetic to see the state of political degradation in this country all because of a set of greedy, corrupt , unconscionable men and women.
    • Our coalition Government. (19/04/2026, 07:43) Like (14) Dislike (6) Reply
      Our next Premier will either be. Marlon, Or Sowamde they both going to win their seat ..It's going to be a coalition Government.. I think Sowamde is much more clever and smart, he will out fox them.. I predict NDP 6 seats, VIP 6 Seats..new Party. 1, . Another dramatic election coming.
      • you already have a colition Goverment (19/04/2026, 16:17) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        With Hon.Smith. Fraser and Mather you already have a coalition Government.
  • Crazy girl (19/04/2026, 07:30) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    So Myron has said privately he will never follow Marlon let’s see what he does now!!!
  • Tolawoman (19/04/2026, 09:10) Like (23) Dislike (3) Reply
    Didn't Marlon, Ronnie and the like had a chance to be Premier last election. So where are they going now. Marlon is weak and has no solution always complaining.
  • Guest (19/04/2026, 09:44) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am beginning to feel that these internal elections have just opened up a new can of worms. I will only be somewhat reassured when the losing candidates publicly congratulate and pledge their unwavering support for the winners starting with Ronnie W Skelton.
  • jack (19/04/2026, 10:16) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
    VIP will get my vote
    • @Jack (19/04/2026, 11:53) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
      You are obviously well paid from the taxpayers trough. So vote for whoever you want. That's what we will all do as well. No need to tell us you are a waste of time with your waste of time Government, who wIth a brand new, minted asphalt plant, we are still suffering with the worse roads in the history of the Virgin Islands since the 1990s. The school that Haycraft built has over 300 students as they can break down and not build up. Audited accounts are not forthcoming since they took power in 2019. But, we expect more of the same because VIP supporters can't even see that whatever they get from the trough goes right back into fixing cars, paying for water truck drop offs, flying overseas for medical care, etc. We expect nothing from diehard VIP supporters but the very same, blind, sad following. Have at it.
  • Really (19/04/2026, 13:03) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
    You'll talk about D6 , like Trump talks about the Obama's......

    Why the jealousy ??????
  • Main land (19/04/2026, 13:12) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    You people are bringing down the island man politicians ( as you say)

    Do you know how many island man are voters in the BVI .

    Think about it .....I'm still voting for my lover boy....D7.
  • Herbs Powa (19/04/2026, 14:04) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Its best for some NDP and VIP candidates to now go independent because I personally think they will loose with Marlon and Slowande as leaders. Coalition it shall be under a new party name.
  • vip (19/04/2026, 14:52) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    Vip all the way!
  • in hiding (19/04/2026, 15:29) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Where is Myron and Mark?????
  • No big deal (19/04/2026, 15:49) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    HE WAS THE CHAIRMAN THE LAST TIME NDP LOST TOO
  • Observer (19/04/2026, 17:20) Like (4) Dislike (9) Reply
    Marlon is now chairman of NDP and Mitch the deputy so they going to the governor tomorrow for Marlon to become the opposition leader so he can go to England with the premier. Myron you born in a salt pond.
  • Observer (20/04/2026, 09:25) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Anytime, Mitch the Snitch didn't get that Deputy post. He would've ditched and made a switch.
  • Strupes (23/04/2026, 12:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We dont care. He won't do anything with it anyways. His supporters will learn.


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