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More PVIM Confusion; Paul A Hewlett Out! Ian S Smith In! for D4

Mr Paul A. Hewlett, left, has been replaced by Ian S. Smith, right, as the District 4 candidate in the Fourth District. Photo: Facebook/File
There continues to be confusion in the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement. Photo: Facebook
There continues to be confusion in the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement. Photo: Facebook
FISH BAY, Tortola, VI- The instability and confusion surrounding the breakaway group from the main Opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) called the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) continue.

It was a few weeks ago, before they launched, that the party kicked out Lesmore Smith from the ticket who had already announced three months before that he was on PVIM slate as an At Large candidate only to be snubbed. Mr Smith is now running as an independent candidate and is the President of the BVI Horse Owners Association. He has picked up the endorsement of a PVIM founding member and former Legislator Mrs Eileene L. Parsons OBE.

Who will be next?

Now less than a month before elections after they announced on Monday, March 6, 2023 that Mr Paul A. Hewlett as their district four candidate, he has been ousted. The party insiders claimed that he was not selling and now have picked businessman and former banker, Ian S. Smith. The former Chairman of the BVI Social Security Board, Mr Smith will be the PVIM candidate in District 4.

Mr Hewlett has since issued a statement confirming his exit from the political race.

As Chairman of the Social Security Board, Mr Smith was one of the architects of the controversial Joe's Hill Manor Estate Project.

He will come up in D4 against two female candidates, Luce D. Hodge-Smith of the Virgin Islands Party and Sandy M. Harrigan-Underhill of the NDP.

It is unclear if anyone else from the PVIM will be booted from the ticket of eight candidates. Already, there are questions sounding one of their At-Large candidate Stacey Mather about his eligibility to run under the constitution.

NDP slammed PVIM

Mr Mather was not born in the Virgin Islands or any of his parents. However, he told a local radio station that he is eligible to run.

The PVIM is headed by former legislator and businessman Ronnie W. Skelton and its Deputy Chairman is incumbent Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull. It was last night, March 18, 2023 at the launching of NDP, that At Large candidate Allen O’Neal slammed the PVIM saying, “we really aint studying them, they are a want to be party, a want to be NDP.”

90 Responses to “More PVIM Confusion; Paul A Hewlett Out! Ian S Smith In! for D4”

  • Strupess (19/03/2023, 11:06) Like (57) Dislike (5) Reply
    This is too much confusion especially at the last minute.
    • Yes!! (19/03/2023, 12:04) Like (23) Dislike (20) Reply
      Ian, you have my vote. Quality and intelligence. This is what we need!
    • VIP pissed. (19/03/2023, 14:33) Like (5) Dislike (24) Reply
      Paul was an easy Win for VIP, Now with Ian it gets a little tougher and VIP is pissed, Lou will still edge all of them out but its a tougher path now with Ian..
  • Youth (19/03/2023, 11:07) Like (40) Dislike (12) Reply
    From bad to worse.
    • @Youth (19/03/2023, 11:53) Like (22) Dislike (19) Reply
      You old conch go siddown we the real youths is with Mr Smith
    • Real youth (19/03/2023, 15:02) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
      Do you even know who you're talking about? Didn't you see his work with rotary?
  • facts (19/03/2023, 11:08) Like (24) Dislike (9) Reply
    They said the one foot woman did not want Paul because he was and island man. Ting to talk.
    • Me (19/03/2023, 16:32) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      Paul should just run Independent and give them a run for their money.
  • jack (19/03/2023, 11:08) Like (65) Dislike (18) Reply
    Let’s go vip
  • Not at All (19/03/2023, 11:09) Like (66) Dislike (18) Reply
    Ian has damaged so many people while at the bank that I am not a VIP supporter but I will take my chances and vote for Luce over this bad minded evil fellow.
    • Oldie (19/03/2023, 12:08) Like (19) Dislike (23) Reply
      Who he damage? The man helps with every damn concern stop talking froth just because you ain't get your deposit through.
  • stop (19/03/2023, 11:10) Like (60) Dislike (9) Reply
    These people are now insulting the intelligence of we the voters.
  • warning (19/03/2023, 11:12) Like (52) Dislike (8) Reply
    Where ever Mitch is will be confusion, chaos and corruption.
  • not me (19/03/2023, 11:13) Like (52) Dislike (13) Reply
    I will never support this guy. He has no respect for people and thinks he knows more than everyone else.
    • Me (19/03/2023, 11:49) Like (15) Dislike (32) Reply
      Who is you?
      We supporting Ian all the way. Talking piss. Ian is a model citizen and a stickler for manners and respect.
    • Vendetta (19/03/2023, 15:15) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
      Do you even know him? So many people speaking from ignorance.
  • Bias reporting (19/03/2023, 11:15) Like (21) Dislike (32) Reply
    The PVIM has assembled a good stronger team now.....Paul is a stateman so he will understand.....He might be better off as the spokes person for the party or a campaign manager.
    • To Bias reporting (19/03/2023, 11:26) Like (37) Dislike (8) Reply
      I do not see this as bias reporting. It is a fact that election is just a month away. It is a fact that Paul was the candidate for the PVIM in the fourth. It is a fact they cut Paul and now replace him with Ian. It is a fact that this is poor leadership. It is a fact that they have internal issues. It is a fact that they cannot get people to run with them. It is a fact that they will lose. Nothing bias about this.
      • ?? (19/03/2023, 15:06) Like (6) Dislike (18) Reply
        It is a fact that the leadership made a good choice having Ian run for the 4th. It is a fact that you're vocabulary could use some work.
  • This is too much (19/03/2023, 11:15) Like (59) Dislike (13) Reply
    If this is the way PVIM is going to run the country then I will not be voting for them again. Everyone knew elections was coming so how come it caught PVIM/NDP off guard and in a frenzy for candidates and recalling candidates and replacing candidates so much at this time. This is not a good sign of leadership.
    • True Dat (19/03/2023, 15:03) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
      It is better they sit out this election or join forces with the ndp their only hope.
  • (19/03/2023, 11:16) Like (37) Dislike (6) Reply
    Ndp 1 & 2 must go once Mitch is involved you know there will be confusion
  • Remember (19/03/2023, 11:17) Like (42) Dislike (6) Reply

    This guy was on the NDP gravy train for years. He was on plenty boards making huge sums of money. Keep him far far far from running our country.

    • Remember correctly (19/03/2023, 11:52) Like (18) Dislike (18) Reply
      Ian served on boards Not as a political crony. Every board he served on as a stickler for good governance. Not like the moo moo dem on boards for money now.
      • HAHA (19/03/2023, 12:53) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
        What money the pay is peanuts. An important job like being on one of them Boards should pay enough that it can be your only job.
      • HAHA (19/03/2023, 12:53) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
        What money the pay is peanuts. An important job like being on one of them Boards should pay enough that it can be your only job.
      • Junie (19/03/2023, 15:09) Like (20) Dislike (3) Reply
        @Remember correctly:

        How you mean he didn’t serve on boards as a political crony? What do you know? Did you ask him? After leaving Banco, who gave him that job as Chairman of Social Security Board and WHY?
        • @Junie: (19/03/2023, 15:21) Like (2) Dislike (11) Reply
          Maybe because he DESERVED to be on the board? He did good work and deserves to be where he is now.
      • agreed (19/03/2023, 15:10) Like (2) Dislike (11) Reply
        Facts, if anything the man got great experience and is ready for this board.
    • JEALOUSY (19/03/2023, 12:12) Like (2) Dislike (9) Reply
      So now making money is a problem? Vote with clarity.
    • Remember correctly (19/03/2023, 15:05) Like (2) Dislike (11) Reply
      You must be he wife to know which train he was on buddy. I know Ian for years now and I know he ain ever support no NDP. Gotta wonder who send these people to talk froth.
  • I dont care wha a man say (19/03/2023, 11:19) Like (22) Dislike (26) Reply
    He is a darm good pick! We had really need some more decent candidates to chose from
  • NDP Blogger (19/03/2023, 11:20) Like (25) Dislike (7) Reply
    they DOA they love power they have zero integrity and poor Ronnie is tired and not to be bothered with this confusion after saying he does not like confusion.
    • Rhythm up. (19/03/2023, 11:50) Like (12) Dislike (10) Reply
      Ronnie Not afraid to make tuff decisions but the right one. Now need a replacement for Shaina, send her back to #1 where she belong and bring back Lesmo at large.. Ian may not win but he will be a credible voice in the unity negotiation team between NDP and PVIM to form the New Govt.
      • Observer (19/03/2023, 13:51) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
        The best idea I have heard in a long time. If they do that it will strengthen the team and they'll have my vote for sure.
  • Good pick PVIM (19/03/2023, 11:22) Like (28) Dislike (38) Reply
    MB was a good pick up also because this country need business people with know how and not those VIP candidates who bankrupted the country the same way they bankrupted their own businesses.
    • @Good pick PVIM (19/03/2023, 11:31) Like (42) Dislike (5) Reply
      Oh please. This guy talks down to people and was never a good business man. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and nearly ruined it. MB is a good person but far from what this country needs. Stop spread lies saying the country is bankrupt just to look for votes.
      • Reply (19/03/2023, 15:27) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
        Nothing wrong with someone using what they have to their advantage. Not to mention all the good he's done for the people around him too.
  • PVIM looking way lot better now (19/03/2023, 11:25) Like (10) Dislike (30) Reply
    I like how Ronnie is surrounding himself with strong business-people instead of those leaches on the green team....Some of them on the green team never sold a candy or a pack of peanuts in their life..
  • yeah (19/03/2023, 11:26) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
    PVIM got the now how candidates unlike the other partys.
  • THE CHICKEN HAWK (19/03/2023, 11:27) Like (29) Dislike (8) Reply
    well sah, I so happy I stayed with the VIP. Any party with Flax-Charles and Mitch is never going to last!!!! Moses and Mather jump ship now...plus RonnIE going storm out of another meeting!

    What about the banker and why he left Banco!!!
  • Real Talk (19/03/2023, 11:38) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    Anditgetsmessierwhonext,
  • bvi (19/03/2023, 11:46) Like (10) Dislike (50) Reply
    VIP running scared wasting good money to pay bloggers.
  • Political analyst (19/03/2023, 11:54) Like (29) Dislike (3) Reply
    This is pure unadulterated organized chaos, uncertainty and confusion. Like nature abhors a vacuum so politics abhors confusion, chaos, (un) certainty. This is extremely poor planning. Though the exact date for election was not known, what was known is the date that the HoA had to be dissolved and the soonest date that the election could be held after dissolution of the House and the drop dead date for the election. These are the date certain that was out there. No excuse for the organized chaos and confusion. This is an unforced error embarrassment.
  • stuppps (19/03/2023, 12:18) Like (21) Dislike (6) Reply
    This the man who buy up all the land under SSB and have Joes hill looking like a project. But wait, he live in the 4th?
    • HAHA (19/03/2023, 12:55) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
      He can’t even vote for his self in the 4th!
      • What Matters? (19/03/2023, 15:21) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
        True words from an ignorant person! What matters is what he can do for the 4th and that man been moving the country in the right direction from long
      • resident (19/03/2023, 19:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        are you dumb, many people lie in the districts than where they are registered
  • NDP supporter (19/03/2023, 12:54) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    I liked how the man O'Neal on NDP podium mash up the PVIM. He was correct with what he said. They are unorganized and a set of "want to be".
  • Question # 1 (19/03/2023, 12:58) Like (27) Dislike (2) Reply
    Why did you have to resign from Banco? PVIM is for the elites, you all were better off with Paul, just my observation.
    • Truth (19/03/2023, 15:00) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
      The elites? Why are you trying to gatekeep a political group? Anyways I can't wait to see what changes Ian makes.
  • Wait a minute (19/03/2023, 13:00) Like (25) Dislike (3) Reply
    What they did Paul is not right. If he only knows about the many secret meetings, PVIM inner circle had behind his back and what they said and what they truly feel about him he would leave them right away.
  • My God (19/03/2023, 13:02) Like (17) Dislike (10) Reply
    Paul ain't from here and Mather ain't from here too. So wah the no foot women talking g bout?
  • Recent Former NDP supporter (19/03/2023, 13:08) Like (46) Dislike (1) Reply
    Take it from me, there is an inner old boys and girls club within both the PVIM & NDP that meet regularly in secret from the other members behind closed doors. Their aim is to use all these newcomers on both tickets to help who all they really want to be elected to get elected by the people and then when they win, they reunite the two inner circle members of the two parties which really is the old NDP. I hope the newcomers as candidates on both parties wake up and realize the game within the game. It is all about power. It is so sad. It is not about country nor the people although they are promoting it that way. VOTERS BE FULLY AWOKE & AWARE!!!
    • @Recent former NDP. Lol (19/03/2023, 13:52) Like (3) Dislike (20) Reply
      U know the thing..its call strategy, don't be upset with them, Now VIP has to start putting their strategy together, I will suggest VIP start talking to that independent guy in #1. He is going to win. No body want Karl Dawson, he is just a big stone, dead personality,, We need people who will speak up and don't be scared or afraid..
      • First district (19/03/2023, 17:57) Like (10) Dislike (8) Reply
        Karl is not for the first. This was Shaina time. She been looking out consistently for years. Karl does not use his voice. He will be useless. Ronnie need to listen.
  • SSB (19/03/2023, 13:13) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
    If the spotlight is ever shown on this man and the old guard that just retired from SSB, everyone would be stunned how many rats will be running for cover.
  • From the inception (19/03/2023, 13:23) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    The big ear man not leading as expected
    From he took smith out you see that too much surgery going on
    Anybody else needs to be out let’s us know now too much confusion going on here
    • @From the inception (19/03/2023, 13:41) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
      I agree with you 100%. I must add that confusion and betrayal is the trademark of a few of their candidates like Mitch, Shereen, Sylvia, and their main supporter Eileen. Expect more confusion and chaos to come.
  • Feeling the heat Julian (19/03/2023, 13:35) Like (12) Dislike (14) Reply
    VIP feeling the heat all around them! I see the wutlissness that the VIP propaganda machine is pushing but it won’t work this time around!
  • Rubber titts (19/03/2023, 13:49) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    lawd have mercy NDP 1 & 2 no difference
  • Political analyst (19/03/2023, 14:06) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    On the perusing the comments, a common theme is emerging, ie, the BVI needs mostly business people to run government effectively. No. Some business practices can be employed in government. Politicians in the US and elsewhere subscribe to that theory, government can be run like a business but it flopped, crash and burn. Government and business have different missions. Businesses are about profit, can select customers, can cut or eliminate some products and services, can focus on narrow interests. Business can get out business altogether. Government has to meet the needs of the whole community with a myriad of interests. Government cannot choose what constituents it want to serve; businesses can choose its customers. During an emergency the community don’t look to businesses for solutions; they look firstly to government for solutions and answers. Things can summarize as follows:
    1. Profit v. People. Profit comes first. In government profit is not the primary concern.It is more maximizing the efficiency of resources.
    Shareholders v. Citizens. The needs of shareholders and citizens are different. Shareholders look a positive return on their investment; Citizens wants service.
    Customers v. Constituents. Businesses can choose its customers; government cannot choose what constituents it wants to serve.

    If business people were the solution for good governance, there would be no need for political science study. One can just enroll in business study. Government needs people skilled in public affairs, policy(s) wonks, budgeting acumen, interpersonal communication skills, etc.
  • Behind the scenes (19/03/2023, 14:28) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    All the mischief makers behind the scenes must raise their evil heads now and enter the race. They’re feeling the pressure!
  • Sambo (19/03/2023, 14:28) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Come on folks get it together. This chaos, confusion and uncertainty fuels the colonialists at Mount Olympus, helping to make their theory of the case in regards to inferiority. They already (for centuries)!have a negative view of local government and people., ie, they are bloaks, novices, when it comes to leadership and management and cannot be trusted.
  • not nice (19/03/2023, 14:39) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    Boi Paul, my granny used to tell me that cockroach ain't got no cause in fowl business.
  • Why (19/03/2023, 14:49) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    Why is Mathew’s allowed to contest when he is not or Virgin Islands origin?? Make it make sense please….
    • @Why (19/03/2023, 21:48) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      Get it straight you primary school dropout - the LAW says MATHER can run and you need gtfo it you Batty R@nger! Maybe if you mamma and papa taught you to read past 2nd grade you could overstand it. But; alas, you’re desperate to get back in That Chevy for more travels down the Hershey Highway….
  • Notice (19/03/2023, 15:13) Like (35) Dislike (4) Reply
    What I am seeing here is that everyone on PVIM team is loyal to Ronnie, not to country
  • 2023 (19/03/2023, 15:50) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    if NDP & PVIM can NOT put together a simple political party how can they take our country forward: please recall while NDP being the administration for the territory some jump ship should the people allow history to repeat itself
  • Ditch Mitch (19/03/2023, 16:18) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    As long as power hungry mitch has a say, they will always be conflict. Bet that party is going to fall apart before the general election.
  • TRA LAL LAL LAL LA (19/03/2023, 16:28) Like (12) Dislike (6) Reply
    Too much Trumpism going on in that party, imagine if they win enough seats to form a government. Start in confusion, will end in confusion.....We can't afford that. Period.
  • flUffy (19/03/2023, 17:17) Like (1) Dislike (8) Reply
    Dam if youdo..Dam if you dont!!! I already had a hard enough time making up my mind whether to vote or not!! BUT THESE POLITICAL PARTIES GOT ME MORE BAZZIDY THAN SPINNING A TOP...SO GUESS WHAT....I GUESS I GOING SIT THIS ELECTION OUT!!!..( MAY GOD HELP US THROUGH THIS) THESE PEOPLE HAVE THIS ELECTION THING AS A JOKE!!
    • @Fluffy (19/03/2023, 21:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Sitting out the election means that you are giving up your voice and a privilege that was hard won by our foreparents. IMHO, not voting means giving up your right to have a say in what happens in the territory over the next four years. Examine the issues facing us, examine the people offering themselves for office, then be wise and make your votes count.
  • keep it up (19/03/2023, 19:25) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    Ayo stay there fighting for D4 we won’t vote non ayu in and just ask uncle mark to stay cause who ayu is
    • You for Real? (19/03/2023, 20:54) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      You gotta be smoking. What he did for the past four years in the fourth? ZILCH.

      Was sooo happy to see him go.
  • Belonga (20/03/2023, 03:52) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    We need a debate ASAP in District 4 between the Elite Party PVIM Candidate Ian Smith, VIP Luce Smith and NDP Sandy Harrigan. The venue can be at one of the churches or held virtually.
  • 911 (20/03/2023, 05:46) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    not until mr man became a politician were he able to expand supermarkets and buy restaurants. were is the people’s aeroplane and after all these no reasonable explanation to the people

    PVIM & NDP is the same thing bringing them back to rule the movements of the country is a risk
  • DO NOT VOTE FOR.... (20/03/2023, 08:12) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply

    This person has no integrity. This personn is NOT a community person and not for the common man. This is the same person who has built a chicken coup in the neighborhood that smells like raw sewage and when the authorities try to speak to them and wife, they avoid the authorities and act like they’re above the law.

    This is the person who has their German shepherd and other dogs roaming the neighborhood, attacking others and their pets. Again, when the authorities try to speak to them and wife, they avoid the authorities and act like they’re above the law.

    This is the person who blocks water access for his fellow neighbors. So what if he originally brought it in, charge the ppl a little thing and give them access. No need to be bad minded and completely block their access.

    This is the person and his wife who has gone down to a school and demanded their child be val or sal even though the child grades are nowhere sufficient.

    They already think they’re above the law, imagine what they will do if they actually gets in? their track record already speaks for themself. It will only get worse when they get more power. Do not vote in this person!!

    A man with integrity will have it in all his dealings (business and personal). They already operate without integrity. Don’t think it will change when elected.

  • For who? (20/03/2023, 09:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    You got me lost….
  • Political analyst (20/03/2023, 10:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Luce Hodge Smith was/is slow, slow out of the gate. She knew she had a high interest in running for the seat since narrowly being beaten by the Hon Mark ‘Action Man’ Vanterpool during the last general election in 2019 so she had the opportunity for building a healthy advantageous head start on other potential aspirants. There are lots of things needed in the Road Town, the capital city, and she had the opportunity to lay out how to address them.

    In politics being on the trail alone is very advantageous and is a cherished and golden opportunity to put distance one and one’s potential challengers. Not to take advantage of the opportunity is looking a gift horse in the mouth. In a political campaign, a candidate should never get complacent, presumptuous, counting the chickens before they are hatched, measuring the drapes for the office, taking electorate for granted, etc, ie, taking a vacation, putting things on cruise control, etc. This is the last leg of the campaign relay and campaigns should be operating at full bore on high octane fuel but nuff campaigns are slow off the mark and just getting organized. It is organized chaos, confusion, etc. The BVI is in crisis and way past time for the real patriots, problem solvers to emerge from the shadows. Noel Lloyd didn’t wait to see what would happen; he saw a need and promptly strike, not waiting for a crowd. He acted and his countrymen followed. Wickhams Cay and Anegada is the positive outcome. Ditto for Theodolph Faulkner. What will the iconic Lavity do?
  • Security (20/03/2023, 10:38) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    We are not woting for no circle or no round head party. This election is important and we need strong leadership and a solid team. Examine the symbol you are voting for. No sell out. Blast them who run to the Governor with melee.
  • 4th District voter (20/03/2023, 11:44) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    We never seen that Smith guy in our district burr where is he going???? Yes he in Rotary but you can’t judge a performance by a team putting in the work. If you want to judge his work go down in lot by Marina down by prospect and look at state of that parking lot. I’m a regular patient at Dr Penn and hate to go there. The lot is a roller coast. He can’t manage there but want to manage our district. No sah. Me and my family voting for that lady Luce.
  • VIP (21/03/2023, 00:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Again vip was vip in Lavity days Ralph T kept it alive
    Andrew buried it so it’s Dead dead change the name may stand a chance


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