Newly elected Deputy Chair of the National Democratic Party, NDP, Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) has said the party is united by a joint desire to want better for the Virgin Islands (VI) and its people. Photo: Facebook

Hon Melvin M. Turbull (R2) joined his party colleagues for the party’s radio programme, NDP Radio, on ZBVI 780 AM, on May 18, 2026. Photo: NDP

Hon Melvin M. Turbull said the experience in years of just him, along with his party colleagues, NDP Chairman and Leader of the Opposition, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) and Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), is vast. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Hon Turnbull joined his party colleagues, NDP Chairman and Leader of the Opposition, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) and Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), on Monday, May 18, 2026, for the party’s radio programme, NDP Radio, on ZBVI 780 AM. This was the first episode of the show since the party’s internal elections earlier this month. 

Hon Turnbull said the NDP team cares about the VI, its people. “Every person within this team has different strengths, different backgrounds, different experiences, but I believe what unites us is the love for the Virgin Islands, the leadership that the Territory is calling for and planning that is needed to take our Territory forward; better opportunities for our young people.”

NDP, he continued, is made up of fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, young professionals and community leaders who genuinely care and understand the people they aspire to lead. 

Many years of experience

Hon Turnbull also said the combined number of years of experience among the members, from time in the House of Assembly (HoA) as well as other professional experience, is critical to note. 

Referencing the three of them who were on the show, he highlighted Hon Skelton’s achievements with his family business, service to the country as Deputy Chief Minister and in the HoA. 

The NDP Deputy Chair also spoke highly of Hon Penn’s service to the country as Minister of Health during what he described as “a difficult time” with the threat of the suspension of the constitution, his background in Information Technology, and now serving as Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition. 

Speaking on his own experience, Tunrbull said, “The leadership, that I believe I possess a little bit, in finance and business, marketing, and mentoring.”

Youth involvement

Hon Turnbull also believes the time is now to not only talk about the involvement of the young people but to ensure a space is provided for them while building on the shoulders of the foreparents and persons who came before. 

“Persons like Hon Skelton would be there to continue to guide us and ensure that we are carrying on the vision in the right way, but we’re also accepting the baton from him and preparing the way to invite other young persons to join this fight.”

This, he said, is not about any individual or individual group, but about the NDP. 

“We have to do things with planning, we have to do things on behalf of the people and keep them centred at all times.”

The NDP has been plagued by fallouts and is now fighting to repair its image ahead of the next general elections.