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Hon Penn ready for elections but can’t get own party’s support- Skelton-Cline

-asks ‘Who is Hon Penn really leading?’
Opposition Leader and Member of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has been telling the public that he is ready to be Premier and ready for any snap elections, even though he has not been made Chairman or President of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and reportedly does not have a slate. Photo: VINO/File
According to commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline, on his Honestly Speaking radio show on ZBVI 780 AM on January 25, 2022, he is not even sure who Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) is leading in the post of Opposition Leader. Photo: Facebook
According to commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline, on his Honestly Speaking radio show on ZBVI 780 AM on January 25, 2022, he is not even sure who Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) is leading in the post of Opposition Leader. Photo: Facebook
The last person to hold the post of NDP chairman was Myron V. Walwyn, who was defeated in the last general election and subsequently resigned from the post. Photo: VINO/File
The last person to hold the post of NDP chairman was Myron V. Walwyn, who was defeated in the last general election and subsequently resigned from the post. Photo: VINO/File
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Opposition Leader and Member of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has been telling the public that he is ready to be Premier and ready for any snap elections; however, commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline has since exposed Hon Penn as speaking empty words.

According to Skelton-Cline on his Honestly Speaking show on ZBVI 780 AM on January 25, 2022, he is not even sure who Honourable Penn is leading in the post of Opposition Leader.

A leader without followers?

“Honourable Mark Vanterpool has said he is not coming back so he is not leading him. Honourable Alvera Maduro-Caines was sitting next to him and she got up and went to the other side, so he is not leading her.”

Skelton-Cline continued that Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) is with Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) and Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) is with Progressives United (PU), so Hon Penn is also not leading them.

“So as far as leadership of the Opposition, I am not sure who Honourable Penn is leading, other than the fact that he is holding the post of what they refer to as Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition.

Mr Skelton-Cline said he often makes the point in preaching that not because someone is in front means they are leading and not because they have a title they are leading.

Hon Penn not even NDP Chairman/President

He said the last person that held the post of NDP chairman was Myron V. Walwyn who was defeated in the last general election and did the “respectable thing” and resigned from the post.

The commentator disclosed also that he has been reliably informed by a chartered member of the NDP that there has been no official meeting to in fact confer upon Honourable Penn the Chairmanship/President of the NDP.

“So I am not sure who is leading in that space.”

Hon Penn ready for snap elections?

Skelton-Cline said he, therefore, found it curious to hear that Honourable Penn said he will be ready if a snap election is called.

He also said he is aware that the rank and file of the NDP has been trying desperately to “pull the fragmented pieces of the NDP together”; however, it appears this has not “been going too far.”

Skelton-Cline noted that Hon Penn appears to be the default person to lead the NDP but there seems to be some “turbulence” and added that it underscores the point that leadership is important.

Further, he said he would be curious to know if Mr Walwyn returns with the NDP.

Skelton-Penn said he hopes to see Hon Penn emerge as the leader of the NDP but he will have his hands full and “fuller” if he is to face an Andrew A. Fahie-led Virgin Islands Party (VIP) in an election in a time when the territory is at a crossroad.

“It’s going to be interesting to see and hear who the people will call for in an hour such as this,” Hon Penn stated.

No elections before CoI Report- Premier

Meanwhile, Premier Fahie has stated there will be no elections before the final report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) is presented. The final report of the CoI is due by April 2022.

Elections in the VI is constitutionally due by June 2023.

18 Responses to “Hon Penn ready for elections but can’t get own party’s support- Skelton-Cline”

  • NO COMMENT (31/01/2022, 15:04) Like (29) Dislike (14) Reply
    DON'T MIND THEM FOR THEM ONLY WANT TO KNOW THE NDP'S BUSINESS
    • @No Comment (31/01/2022, 16:48) Like (17) Dislike (13) Reply
      Agreed, a still tongue keeps a wise head. They want to know what is going on so they can make their move. You let them know when the timing is right.
  • Vi massive (31/01/2022, 15:34) Like (24) Dislike (18) Reply
    Watch Barbados I hope the same thing happen here Clean sweep not even one in the opposition.
  • BIBLE (31/01/2022, 15:44) Like (39) Dislike (14) Reply
    Cline need to shut up. Stripes go and read your bible
  • Election gold (31/01/2022, 15:55) Like (27) Dislike (34) Reply
    For sure Vip ain't winning, i'm splitting my votes so no one party ends up with the majority.
    • Exactly (31/01/2022, 17:19) Like (33) Dislike (2) Reply
      I'm voting for competent people. No more of this party nonsense. If you got ideas and a plan to help the BVI on a whole you getting my vote.
    • @Election gold (31/01/2022, 17:43) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
      That is exactly how I’m doing it, I also plan on splitting my votes.
  • Well Ma Boy (31/01/2022, 16:27) Like (32) Dislike (1) Reply
    This man is really a confusion worker d man. He like thing.
    When do he get time to study the bible.
  • Lebrian (31/01/2022, 16:38) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Speak the truth. The Virgin Islands constitution does not have a section or an article allowing a referendum. Haiti was the first republic in the western hemisphere.
    • Mr. CSC . (31/01/2022, 17:29) Like (24) Dislike (19) Reply
      U have just put yourself in NDP Dog house. No contract for you...VIP will not be the Govt next election, put that in your pipe snd smoke it...
      • @Mr. CSC. (31/01/2022, 19:52) Like (17) Dislike (12) Reply
        He sure did, know one thing for sure. VIP GOOSE IS COOKED next election.
  • one eye (31/01/2022, 17:12) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    He leading himself
  • Sam (31/01/2022, 17:25) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    VIP went out look people to run in 2019 it was only Fahie & fraser

    Penn can do the same thing but it is who the young-man brings to the table

  • Gadget (31/01/2022, 21:04) Like (5) Dislike (13) Reply
    Tell bonoursble Penn go clean up the crime in he district. When he done let he go siddung and reflect on the unsolved crimes.
  • Switch N Stitch (01/02/2022, 17:52) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    So the VIP campaign last election with the ESHS high one their agenda 3 years later still nothing to show... No excuse about covid because big contracts are still being singed... It's a clear indication that VIP just simply don't have an idea... CSC going talk all he want what has he done to merit all the big $$$$ he receiving wake up my VI PPL one thing for sure they can't fool us and say the meet an empty treasury... I would like for any VIP MEMBER come forward and name 2 things they would have campaign on and deliver to the ppl
  • musa (02/02/2022, 14:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    With 1500 new votes who ever want to be in government have to come good because we in going party line we going with a new government who care for the peoples. Who see agriculture & education as a priority.
  • Smuff (02/02/2022, 15:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    They don’t want you-leave it alone


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