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Mark H. Vanterpool feeling entitled 'was totally irresponsible'- Bishop Cline

- said politics in the Virgin Islands 'is not a game'
Bishop John I. Cline has emphasised that running for political office in the Virgin Islands is “not a game.” Cline addressed concerns raised during a live Facebook session on April 23, 2026. Photo: Facebook
During the party's special convention held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, Mr. Mark H. Vanterpool contested the Chairmanship of the NDP but was defeated in a landslide vote by Hon. Marlon A. Penn (R8), receiving 29 votes compared to Mr. Penn’s 65. Photo: VINO/ File
During the party's special convention held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, Mr. Mark H. Vanterpool contested the Chairmanship of the NDP but was defeated in a landslide vote by Hon. Marlon A. Penn (R8), receiving 29 votes compared to Mr. Penn’s 65. Photo: VINO/ File
Bishop John I. Cline, the former interim president stated that the party seeks individuals who are serious about representing the country. “The country is not a game. The politics of the Virgin Islands is not a game. This is serious. This is us seriously looking for men and women who can represent these virgin islands at home, regionally and abroad.” Photo: VINO/File
Bishop John I. Cline, the former interim president stated that the party seeks individuals who are serious about representing the country. “The country is not a game. The politics of the Virgin Islands is not a game. This is serious. This is us seriously looking for men and women who can represent these virgin islands at home, regionally and abroad.” Photo: VINO/File
CANE GARDEN BAY, Tortola, VI - Bishop John I. Cline has emphasised that running for political office in the Virgin Islands (VI) is “not a game".

Cline addressed concerns raised during a live Facebook session on April 23, 2026. He stated that the party seeks individuals who are serious about representing the country. “The country is not a game. The politics of the Virgin Islands is not a game. This is serious. This is us seriously looking for men and women who can represent these Virgin Islands at home, regionally, and abroad," he said.

Cline further asserted that the party is not interested in individuals who are seeking personal ambitions or use the party for their own gain. “We are very serious about this country and what we want, how we want to see it run, how we want to see it govern. That is what the NDP is about!" he exclaimed.

'Could not stop Mark Vanterpool'

The former interim president criticised those who enter the party believing they are entitled to the top position. “For some to come in, after they've left the party, thinking that they're entitled to the top spot, and if they don't get it, then pack up their marbles and pout, and go home. I don't, I don't see people like that running this country. That's totally irresponsible.”

However, he stated that Mark H. Vanterpool could not be prevented from running for any position within the party because he is a member of the National Democratic Party (NDP). “We could not stop Honourable Mark Vanterpool from coming back into the party. He's a member of the [National] Democratic Party. We could not stop him from putting up his name to run and having been nominated to run for the top chair. We could not stop that,” Cline explained.

He indicated that Mr Vanterpool has never resigned from the party, so it is his right to run, but winning is not guaranteed. Cline emphasised that this is a democratic process, stating, “It went through 121 persons [who] got in a room Saturday night to elect the leaders of the National Democratic Party, and that is what happened.”

See related article below:

‘The party is not breaking up; We just have one rogue member’- John I. Cline

 

7 Responses to “Mark H. Vanterpool feeling entitled 'was totally irresponsible'- Bishop Cline”

  • Vote VIP All The Way (26/04/2026, 07:21) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    Set of power hungry men
  • lord o. (26/04/2026, 07:44) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    We must never forget that Mark put a lot of resources and time in campaigning for the top job because he wanted it....Tbat's his rights to feel bad, disappointed and slighted, after a week now, he should calm down...do the right and honourable thing, accept the results and congratulate the winners, the process worked against him...I think he has messed up his chance of winning his atlarge seat as an independent...Maybe he might join the new party and try pushing them..
  • FIRE (26/04/2026, 08:01) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Well John the 121 of y'all got it wrong. There is no way Mark Myron or Rhonnie should hold a back seat behind Marlon and Mitch. John I Cline you herd it here. NDP dead on election day. Take that to the bank.
  • believe (26/04/2026, 08:52) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Instead of being in the house ???? of the most high God Mr so called bishop you and your nephew two wolves in sheep ???? clothing always creating problems and confusion do the right ✅️ thing and try to win souls for the kingdom of God.
  • Time reveals all... (26/04/2026, 09:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I do not doubt that wherever either sibling goes, the other will most likely follow. It is loyalty to self, family, and business above the welfare of this territory. These are the longstanding, obvious, and conniving truths - accept it, people...and vote accordingly.
  • please (26/04/2026, 10:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    No more comments from you Sir. The NDP Congress elected a new President and as such you should now take a back seat and stop the noise from within.
  • guy hill (26/04/2026, 12:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    My Mother of Sainted memory used to tell me as a youth growing up in Road Town and living on Main Street.
    "When you do what you do, you get what you get".


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